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 vitality was plain. My two encounters with him after I was a newspaper reporter for the Pocono Report in Pennsylvania are undoubtedly highlights of my profession.

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

After a protracted, profitable profession serving to individuals get wholesome and shed pounds in a enjoyable manner, 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, “Howdy beautiful! 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 price. You helped SO many individuals. There’s a gigantic gap on this planet,” one particular person emotionally shared.

One other mentioned, “Gonna miss your each day posts.”

Again in 2010 after I was a reporter for the Pocono Report 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 effectively.

When he acquired on the decision, he had such wonderful vitality that made it not possible to not smile. He additionally sang an excellent 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 would identified one another for a lifetime. He made me really feel like we had been outdated pals and that he genuinely loved assembly me.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 manner. He approached each single particular person as in the event that they had been his long-lost buddy. He was so real, energetic, and approachable. (See my story in regards to the occasion here.)

Once I met him, we took a couple of photographs, as a result of how may I not get photographs with him? My then 6-year-old son noticed the photographs and acquired fearful. Not figuring out who the person was within the photos, he advised his father I had a boyfriend. In fact, all of us acquired an excellent chortle over that, and even to at the present time, we generally carry that shaggy dog story up.

On Friday, Simmons shared a thanks submit 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 cheerful 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, despite the fact that we’ve got by no means met a message you convey by your present all of the exercising encouragement at all times made me really feel like I used to be a buddy,” one particular person wrote.

One other mentioned, “Wishing you the sweetest and most significant birthday, Richard. You’ve got given (and proceed to carry) a lot goodness to so many individuals. Thanks for at all times conserving it actual. Might you get pleasure from good well being, true pals, a lot love and laughter, and all that brings achievement 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 submit. “I will be holding one other chat on Monday, July 8, 2024.”

He then mentioned that some do not consider it is him through the stay chat and mentioned, “Possibly 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 just 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 submit. Many individuals commented that they had been excited to listen to his story in his phrases.

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

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

Many individuals dropped into the remark part of his closing Fb submit to share what they’re going to miss most in regards to 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 actually have touched our lives and can by no means be forgotten.”

RIP, Richard. You may be missed.