@northcoast said:

I've just recently learned of something that the General Hospital fans have probably known forever:

Richard Simmons, the fitness guru, played a character on General Hospital back in the 1980s. Can anyone here tell me approximately how long he was on the show, and what his character's name was? And what was his character's place in the show (what was he known for)?

I have respected Richard Simmons for a long time. First learned of him back in the 1980s for his fitness TV programs. A very private person, Mr. Simmons nevertheless seemed to give everything he had when he was in front of the camera.

I've been surprised to learn that his acting credits are fairly extensive (hence my question here about his General Hospital days). Apparently, he first began acting way back in the 1960s, as an extra in a small number of Italian films (!).

Known for his seclusion from society these past 10 years or so, he is just now reemerging from his shell. A Broadway show about his life-- with his approval, unlike the Pauly Shore film --is about to launch, and Mr. Simmons appears poised to reengage with his fans.

Sidenote:

If folks here haven't already seen it, check out Richard Simmons' "Hair Do" video (released in 2013, apparently, shortly before his seclusion) on youtube. It's weirdly addictive, and showcases Mr. Simmons' singing ability!

He played a fitness guru named 'Richard Simmons.' He was mentioned a number of years ago by name, but that's the last we've heard of him. Once the real RS got famous the fictive RS left the show.

He was mostly conducting exercise classes at GH and was associated with Bobbi, Amy Vining, and those sorts. He was a C list background character mostly.

cosmoeticadotcom--

Thanks so much! Those were exactly the kinds of details I was looking for. :)

Wow I never would've figured him to be reclusive. His on-camera personality was so extroverted and energetic.

His wikipedia page reads like a trashy tabloid with all the rumors and conspiracy theories (all debunked). Who would've guessed that a quiet departure from the spotlight would lead to such a gossip frenzy. Whatever the reason is, I hope the rumor mill cuts him some slack and he can get back to whatever he was doing in peace.

@northcoast said:

I've just recently learned of something that the General Hospital fans have probably known forever:

Richard Simmons, the fitness guru, played a character on General Hospital back in the 1980s. Can anyone here tell me approximately how long he was on the show, and what his character's name was? And what was his character's place in the show (what was he known for)?

I have respected Richard Simmons for a long time. First learned of him back in the 1980s for his fitness TV programs. A very private person, Mr. Simmons nevertheless seemed to give everything he had when he was in front of the camera.

I've been surprised to learn that his acting credits are fairly extensive (hence my question here about his General Hospital days). Apparently, he first began acting way back in the 1960s, as an extra in a small number of Italian films (!).

Known for his seclusion from society these past 10 years or so, he is just now reemerging from his shell. A Broadway show about his life-- with his approval, unlike the Pauly Shore film --is about to launch, and Mr. Simmons appears poised to reengage with his fans.

Sidenote:

If folks here haven't already seen it, check out Richard Simmons' "Hair Do" video (released in 2013, apparently, shortly before his seclusion) on youtube. It's weirdly addictive, and showcases Mr. Simmons' singing ability!

https://general-hospital.fandom.com/wiki/Richard_Simmons

https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/los-angeles-ca-richard-simmons-shell-kepler-gail-ramsey-news-photo/1256658016

Here's his story about starting on GH

https://richardsimmons.com/general-hospital-part-1/

https://richardsimmons.com/general-hospital-part-2/

https://richardsimmons.com/general-hospital-part-3/

I'm not sure if there is more, just change the number in the link?

I really enjoyed his character back in the day on GH, but I also loved the fact that he was a doll collector (as am I) and he designed his own dolls and sold them. Google Richard Simmons dolls.

@clunybrown2017 said:

I really enjoyed his character back in the day on GH, but I also loved the fact that he was a doll collector (as am I) and he designed his own dolls and sold them. Google Richard Simmons dolls.

I had no idea, cluny, thanks! I have just now googled it, and it looks as if those dolls could rival American Girl for appearance and collectability!

Sad news - Richard Simmons passed away today. 😢

Oh! Thank you for this information, cflr. So sad. He had turned 76 just yesterday. May he rest in peace.

https://apnews.com/article/fitness-guru-richard-simmons-obituary-db369da9e7f54f17bbbb1331af43508f

https://abcnews.go.com/US/fitness-guru-richard-simmons-dead-76/story?id=111912398

https://www.cnn.com/2024/07/13/entertainment/richard-simmons-death/index.html

@cflr said:

Sad news - Richard Simmons passed away today. 😢

Did not give a cause of death

If you can trust the sleazy gossip rag TMZ, word is he died from complications due to a fall in the bathtub. In any case it’s heartbreaking. He had just posted how much he appreciated all the birthday wishes and was busy writing email replies.

@cflr said:

Sad news - Richard Simmons passed away today. 😢

Sad news indeed....When I think of him, I think: energy, showmanship, and positive attitude.

When it comes to exercising venues for the masses, we owe him a BIG OH thank you! He was at the forefront of making “manikins” type exercise programs passé. Instead of surrounding himself with folks who looked as if they’d pass out if you showed them a potato chip, he opted to work with/showcase folks with REAL body types. You know, the shape/weight most(?) of us actually deal with.

R.I.P.

@rooprect said:

If you can trust the sleazy gossip rag TMZ, word is he died from complications due to a fall in the bathtub. In any case it’s heartbreaking. He had just posted how much he appreciated all the birthday wishes and was busy writing email replies.

A friend of mine died like that 2 years ago. It happens