Exclusive
Richard Simmons is helping people struggling though these days of self-isolation — an area of expertise for him — by making a comeback of sorts … strictly online.
The beloved, former fitness mogul has been out of the public eye since February 2014, but 3 weeks ago his YouTube channel began posting for the first time in 6 years … right around the time Americans began getting ordered to stay inside to stop the spread of coronavirus.
The material is nothing new — it’s old ‘Signature Moves’ clips, workouts and motivational messages — but sources close to Simmons tell TMZ … the revival is due to fans clamoring for him to return and lead them through at-home exercise routines again.
The need for this doesn’t get much greater than during a pandemic … so we’re told Richard’s team obliged with the new video posts.
Our sources say Simmons’ team is also working on a new line of licensed products to be released later this year. It’s unclear exactly what it will include, but in 2018 he released a calendar and some classic exercise merch … so maybe something similar.
Remember, Richard hasn’t been physically seen since we got a partial glimpse of him returning home from the hospital in April 2017 … and there’s only been Bigfoot-esque sightings of him for years before that.
We’re told despite the flurry of Richard’s YouTube vids, he’s still not decided when or if he’ll make a return to the spotlight … but the recent activity is giving his fans hope.
Until then, you’d have to subscribe to Simmons’ fan club newsletter to get a regular dose of his musings … like the one he sent out just this week encouraging his fans to stay positive … and check out his recipe for a flourless vegetable quiche.