For the actor, see Richard Simmons (actor)

Richard Simmons (born July 12, 1948, New Orleans, Louisiana) is a U.S. fitness guru and celebrity.

His résumé includes fitness videos, most notably his "Sweatin' to the Oldies" series, television shows, including a stint on the American television soap opera General Hospital in the 1970s, working with a cruise line, movie cameo appearances and even an oldies album in 1983.

Despite his often-times flamboyant and comedic persona, Simmons has a serious side, a passion for helping overweight people lose weight after he lost 123 lb (56 kg) himself, and opened his own exercise studio, Slimmons, in California in the 1970s in response to discrimination by exercise studios of the day against the overweight.

Simmons most recently made headlines on March 25, 2004 when he was charged with assault during a confrontation at a Phoenix airport. The altercation began when Chris Farney, a Harley Davidson salesman, spotted Simmons and yelled: "Look. Richard Simmons. Drop your bags, let's rock to the 50s!" Simmons responded by saying "It's not nice to make fun of people with issues", then slapping Farney in the face. [1] Another witness described it during a radio interview as "almost a playful, feminine slap." [2]

Longtime speculation has been made over Simmons' sexual orientation, with much insinuation that he is homosexual. Simmons has never outright stated this as fact, but has made various allusions over the years. On the other hand, Simmons has repeatedly professed his undying love for Barbra Streisand, even proposing to marry her.

Simmons' talents also include creating a line of porcelain dolls.

Simmons is also a good autograph signer who doesn't mind fans approaching him for a signature.