Richard Simmons was as kind and caring a human being as you will ever meet. Easily one of the greatest guests you could have on any show, whether it was The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson or our little radio program.
He literally worked his butt off in the service of others. His kindness and compassion weren’t just part of his character as a celebrity fitness guru. He owned an operated an exercise studio called “Slimmons” in LA. When Lisa and I were in town, we would stop by and Sweat To The Oldies. Afterwards, we would all sit in a circle as he listened to people share their struggles with food and exercise.
His hit book was called “Never Say Diet”, and he emphasized being happy with who you are, and taking joy in moderation and being more active.
If you knew him it was impossible not to love him.
There are pictures below of Keith and Andrew Rivers in the recording studio where he sang “It’s The Most Fattening Time Of The Year” and further down are some links to several appearances & mentions on the show.
One time after a session at Slimmons, he asked Lisa Rivers if we would like to come over tomorrow for breakfast. We said “Sure!” I wasn’t certain if it was a media event with other people, or perhaps we’d meet a restaurant.
The directions were to his house, where he had put out and made a healthy breakfast. There was some fruit, yoghurt, light pastry, and homemade granola.
And it was just him and us. And his Dalmatians.
His home was a beautiful almost magical place, with a museum quality collection of baby dolls made of porcelain. (Google Richard Simmons Dolls and you can buy reproductions that he wanted to make available to all).
We talked about life, retirement, projects he was working on, and all of our blessings. At the time I was using a fitness app to count calories. I wondered if he should do something like that? He said no that sounded like torture, having to log every bite! Never say “Diet”!
He retired from public life around the same time as I did. I have thought of him often. Hoping he had the serenity and happiness in his golden years that he deserved.
Richard became somewhat of a regular and a friend of the show.. He was often mentioned and he made several (crash) landings into the studio. A few links notable links to explore:
- Richard is featured in a Twisted Christmas Tune classic:
It’s The Most Fattening Time of the Year – The Bob Rivers Show
~ https://bobrivers.com/its-the-most-fattening-time-of-the-year - Bob worked out with Richard Simmons – The Bob Rivers Show
~ https://bobrivers.com/bob-worked-out-with-richard-simmons - Richard Simmons takes over the studio – The Bob Rivers Show
~ https://bobrivers.com/richard-simmons-takes-over - And if you care to dig even deeper:
You searched for “Richard Simmons” – The Bob Rivers Show
~ https://bobrivers.com/search/?_sf_s=%22Richard%20Simmons%22
