Interviewing And Meeting Richard Simmons

After listening to about Richard Simmons‘ passing, reminiscences flooded again from the time I interviewed him by telephone for one story after which met him in particular person for one more in 2010.

The health guru’s infectious power was plain. My two encounters with him after I was a newspaper reporter for the Pocono Document in Pennsylvania are undoubtedly highlights of my profession.

The health icon celebrated his 76th birthday on Friday, simply at some point earlier than passing away.

After an extended, profitable profession serving to individuals get wholesome and shed weight in a enjoyable method, Simmons left the limelight for a quieter life in 2014. He nonetheless motivated his followers on social media up till the morning of his dying.

On Saturday morning, Simmons shared a photograph on Facebook merely captioned, “Whats up attractive! Please do not rain on my parade.”

Whereas many followers took to the feedback shortly after it was posted to share their love for Simmons, others shared condolences after information broke of his passing.

“I’m so shattered, you helped me SO a lot, particularly after escaping an abusive relationship. You made me really feel like I had value. You helped SO many individuals. There’s a gigantic gap on this planet,” one particular person emotionally shared.

One other stated, “Gonna miss your every day posts.”

Again in 2010 after I was a reporter for the Pocono Document in Stroudsburg, PA, I acquired the chance to interview Simmons earlier than an occasion he was internet hosting. We had a telephone interview and whereas I am unable to keep in mind why I walked into the kitchen some days, I do not forget that telephone interview properly.

When he acquired on the decision, he had such wonderful power that made it unimaginable to not smile. He additionally sang portion of our dialog to me, which made this interview that rather more memorable.

After our telephone interview, I had the chance to satisfy him in particular person when he was within the space for his occasion. Once we met, he acted like we might identified one another for a lifetime. He made me really feel like we have been previous pals and that he genuinely loved assembly me. And as I watched him circle the room speaking to his followers, I may inform that they every felt the very same method. He approached each single particular person as in the event that they have been his long-lost good friend. He was so real, energetic, and approachable. (See my story concerning the occasion here.)

After I met him, we took a number of images, as a result of how may I not get images with him? My then 6-year-old son noticed the images and acquired apprehensive. Not figuring out who the person was within the photos, he informed his father I had a boyfriend. In fact, all of us acquired giggle over that, and even to this present day, we typically convey that joke up.

On Friday, Simmons shared a thanks publish on Fb for all of the birthday needs. It seems that his followers actually made his day.

“Thanks…I by no means acquired so many messages about my birthday in my life! I’m sitting right here writing emails. Have a most lovely remainder of your Friday. Love, Richard,” he wrote on Fb.

Greater than 3,000 followers flooded the remark part, with most of them wishing him a contented birthday.

“Bless you, candy man. Blissful Birthday I’m glad you had a lot to smile about. One of many issues I at all times admire about you is the sincerity in your eyes and your smile, although we now have by no means met a message you convey by way of your present all of the exercising encouragement at all times made me really feel like I used to be a good friend,” one particular person wrote.

One other stated, “Wishing you the sweetest and most significant birthday, Richard. You will have given (and proceed to convey) a lot goodness to so many individuals. Thanks for at all times conserving it actual. Could you get pleasure from good well being, true pals, a lot love and laughter, and all that brings success to your lovely coronary heart.”

Lower than per week earlier than his dying, Simmons held a stay chat on Fb for his followers.

“Guess what? I’ve thrilling information to share with you,” he wrote in a Fb publish. “I will be holding one other chat on Monday, July 8, 2024.”

He then stated that some do not imagine it is him throughout the stay chat and stated, “Perhaps you should not come. Strive one other Richard to do a chat with like Richard Gere, Richard Dean Anderson, or the singer and songwriter Richard Marx.”

Simmons additionally lately shared many tales together with his followers, and it seems he had larger plans to share extra. Simply 4 days in the past, he shared, “Getting nearer to telling my story in my very own phrases. I am so excited,” in a Fb publish. Many individuals commented that they have been excited to listen to his story in his phrases.

One fan lately shared within the feedback, “You by no means acquired the possibility to inform your story in your individual phrases. Relaxation in peace candy, Richard Simmons.”

One factor that is plain is that Simmons will at all times be remembered for his infectious power and for doing what he actually beloved to do – assist others.

Many individuals dropped into the remark part of his remaining Fb publish to share what they will miss most concerning the health legend and to go away their condolences and love.

“I’m going to overlook your heartwarming and uplifting posts. Thanks for sharing your mild with us,” one particular person wrote. One other added, “God relaxation your soul you earthly angel. Thanks for giving us lovely classes of life. You really have touched our lives and can by no means be forgotten.”

RIP, Richard. You may be missed.