Unforgettable Memory: Interviewing And Meeting Richard Simmons

After hearing about Richard Simmons' passing, memories flooded back from the time I interviewed him by phone for one story and then met him in person for another in 2010.

The fitness guru's infectious energy was undeniable. My two encounters with him when I was a newspaper reporter for the Pocono Record in Pennsylvania are definitely highlights of my career.

The fitness icon celebrated his 76th birthday on Friday, just one day before passing away.

After a long, successful career helping people get healthy and lose weight in a fun way, Simmons left the limelight for a quieter life in 2014. He still motivated his fans on social media up until the morning of his death.

On Saturday morning, Simmons shared a photo on Facebook simply captioned, "Hello gorgeous! Please don't rain on my parade."

While many fans took to the comments shortly after it was posted to share their love for Simmons, others shared condolences after news broke of his passing.

"I am so shattered, you helped me SO much, especially after escaping an abusive relationship. You made me feel like I had worth. You helped SO many people. There is a gigantic hole in the world," one person emotionally shared.

Another said, "Gonna miss your daily posts."

Back in 2010 when I was a reporter for the Pocono Record in Stroudsburg, PA, I got the opportunity to interview Simmons before an event he was hosting. We had a phone interview and while I can't remember why I walked into the kitchen some days, I remember that phone interview well.

When he got on the call, he had such amazing energy that made it impossible to not smile. He also sang a good portion of our conversation to me, which made this interview that much more memorable.

After our phone interview, I had the opportunity to meet him in person when he was in the area for his event. When we met, he acted like we'd known each other for a lifetime. He made me feel like we were old friends and that he genuinely enjoyed meeting me. And as I watched him circle the room talking to his fans, I could tell that they each felt the exact same way. He approached every single person as if they were his long-lost friend. He was so genuine, energetic, and approachable. (See my story about the event here.)

When I met him, we took a few photos, because how could I not get photos with him? My then 6-year-old son saw the photos and got worried. Not knowing who the man was in the pictures, he told his father I had a boyfriend. Of course, we all got a good laugh over that, and even to this day, we sometimes bring that funny story up.

On Friday, Simmons shared a thank you post on Facebook for all the birthday wishes. It appears that his fans really made his day.

"Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard," he wrote on Facebook.

More than 3,000 fans flooded the comment section, with most of them wishing him a happy birthday.

"Bless you, sweet man. Happy Birthday I’m glad you had so much to smile about. One of the things I always admire about you is the sincerity in your eyes and your smile, even though we have never met a message you convey through your show all the exercising encouragement always made me feel like I was a friend," one person wrote.

Another said, "Wishing you the sweetest and most meaningful birthday, Richard. You have given (and continue to bring) so much goodness to so many people. Thank you for always keeping it real. May you enjoy good health, true friends, much love and laughter, and all that brings fulfillment to your beautiful heart."

Less than a week before his death, Simmons held a live chat on Facebook for his fans.

"Guess what? I have exciting news to share with you," he wrote in a Facebook post. "I'll be holding another chat on Monday, July 8, 2024."

He then said that some don't believe it's him during the live chat and said, "Maybe you shouldn't come. Try another Richard to do a chat with like Richard Gere, Richard Dean Anderson, or the singer and songwriter Richard Marx."

Simmons also recently shared many stories with his fans, and it appears he had bigger plans to share more. Just four days ago, he shared, "Getting closer to telling my story in my own words. I'm so excited," in a Facebook post. Many people commented that they were excited to hear his story in his words.

One fan recently shared in the comments, "You never got the chance to tell your story in your own words. Rest in peace sweet, Richard Simmons."

One thing that's undeniable is that Simmons will always be remembered for his infectious energy and for doing what he really loved to do - help others.

Many people dropped into the comment section of his final Facebook post to share what they'll miss most about the fitness legend and to leave their condolences and love.

"I’m going to miss your heartwarming and uplifting posts. Thank you for sharing your light with us," one person wrote. Another added, "God rest your soul you earthly angel. Thank you for giving us beautiful lessons of life. You truly have touched our lives and will never be forgotten."

RIP, Richard. You will be missed.