Richard Simmons, the beloved fitness guru who brought energy and laughter to millions, passed away on July 13, 2024, at the age of 76. The cause of death was determined to be accidental blunt traumatic injuries sustained from a fall. Now, a new ABC News Studios special, "The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special," is revisiting Simmons' life, focusing on his private final years and sudden death. The special premiered on May 12, 2026, and is available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.
The documentary includes interviews with people close to Simmons, including his longtime house manager, Teresa Reveles, his manager, Michael Catalano, his brother, Lenny Simmons, and his sister-in-law, Cathy Simmons. Reveles, who worked with Simmons for 35 years and was reportedly the last person to see him alive, shares details about his final days. According to Reveles, Simmons suffered a fall the night before his death but was hesitant to seek medical attention, expressing his wish to remain at home.
Simmons had retreated from public life in 2014, leading to speculation about his well-being. In 2024, he addressed these rumors in a social media post, stating that he was living a quiet life and asking fans not to believe everything they read. The ABC special aims to provide a deeper understanding of his decision to step away from the spotlight and the circumstances surrounding his death.
