Richard Simmons: Difference between revisions
Revert 3 revisions to last version by DAJF |
|||
| Line 26: | Line 26: | ||
Upon moving to Los Angeles in the [[1970s]], Simmons worked as the [[Maître d']] at a restaurant in Beverly Hills. He became interested in fitness, but was dissatisfied with the unhealthy [[fad diet]] methods and established [[gym]]s and exercise studios of the day which favored the already fit customer. |
Upon moving to Los Angeles in the [[1970s]], Simmons worked as the [[Maître d']] at a restaurant in Beverly Hills. He became interested in fitness, but was dissatisfied with the unhealthy [[fad diet]] methods and established [[gym]]s and exercise studios of the day which favored the already fit customer. |
||
He later opened his own [[Health club|exercise studio]], originally called The Anatomy Asylum, where the emphasis was placed on providing encouragement on healthy eating in proper portions and enjoyable exercise. The business originally included a salad |
He later opened his own [[Health club|exercise studio]], originally called The Anatomy Asylum, where the emphasis was placed on providing encouragement on healthy eating in proper portions and enjoyable exercise. The business originally included a [[salad bar]] restaurant called "Ruffage," that he eventually removed in favor of focusing on exercise. The establishment, now called ''Slimmons'', continues to operate in [[Beverly Hills, California]] and Simmons teaches motivational classes and [[aerobic]]s throughout the week. |
||
=== Media attention === |
=== Media attention === |
||
| Line 61: | Line 61: | ||
=== Speculation about personal life === |
=== Speculation about personal life === |
||
Based on his exuberance, as well as his apparel and appearance, Simmons has often been the subject of speculation about his personal life, particularly about his [[sexual orientation]]. Simmons has never spoken publicly about his personal life, though he has criticized those who "assume" he is gay just because he "doesn't act like a typical man." |
Based on his exuberance, as well as his apparel and appearance, Simmons has often been the subject of speculation about his personal life, particularly about his [[sexual orientation]]. Simmons has never spoken publicly about his personal life, though he has criticized those who "assume" he is gay just because he "doesn't act like a typical man." |
||
However, his appearance on "Who's Line is it Anyway," in 2004 demonstrated his own comfort with being regarded as openly homosexual. Throughout the notable [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lCJkuXSTymk Honey Mooner Skit], Simmons engaged in a series of homo-erotic simulations which contributed greatly to the improvisational comedy theme of the show. |
|||
=== Hurricane Katrina response === |
=== Hurricane Katrina response === |
||
Revision as of 18:57, 4 April 2007
Richard Simmons | |
|---|---|
| File:Richard Simmons-Sweatin to the Oldies 3.jpg Richard Simmons | |
| Born | Milton Simmons July 12, 1948 |
| Occupation | physical fitness expert |
| Height | 5' 6½" (1.69 m) |
| Website | www.richardsimmons.com |
Richard Simmons (12 July, 1948) is a fitness expert who promotes weight-loss programs, most famously through a line of aerobics videos and television programs. He is known for his humor and flamboyant personality.
Early life
Richard Simmons was born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Simmons was raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana and attended Cor Jesu High School(Brother Martin HS). He was a chubby child, weighing 268 pounds (122 kg) at the time of his graduation.
His first job, in New Orleans, was selling pralines. After starting college at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, he transferred to Florida State University. While enrolled there, he studied as an exchange student in Florence, Italy. He graduated with a BA in Art. With his Art degree, Simmons worked in advertising in New York City and also for Coty Cosmetics and Revlon. During his time in New York he also worked as a waiter.
Fitness career
Simmons was overweight in his younger days. Simmons lost 123 lb (56 kg).
Upon moving to Los Angeles in the 1970s, Simmons worked as the Maître d' at a restaurant in Beverly Hills. He became interested in fitness, but was dissatisfied with the unhealthy fad diet methods and established gyms and exercise studios of the day which favored the already fit customer.
He later opened his own exercise studio, originally called The Anatomy Asylum, where the emphasis was placed on providing encouragement on healthy eating in proper portions and enjoyable exercise. The business originally included a salad bar restaurant called "Ruffage," that he eventually removed in favor of focusing on exercise. The establishment, now called Slimmons, continues to operate in Beverly Hills, California and Simmons teaches motivational classes and aerobics throughout the week.
Media attention
With his business proving highly successful, Simmons began to draw media attention, beginning with an appearance on the television show Real People where he was shown at work and introduced customers who he had helped to lose weight. The positive reaction to this spot led to a three-year recurring stint, playing himself, on the American soap opera General Hospital. This exposure of himself led to further media focus, as well as personal appearances in shopping malls, where he taught exercise classes. For a time in the early 1980s, Simmons had an Emmy Award winning talk show, The Richard Simmons Show, where he focused on personal health, fitness, exercise, and healthy cooking.
Simmons has appeared as himself on numerous TV shows, including Whose Line Is It Anyway?, CHiPs and Saturday Night Live. He has also appeared on an episode of Arrested Development called "Bringing Up Buster". He hosted a short lived TV show called DreamMaker in 1999. Simmons has been featured in commercials for Sprint Cellular Phones, and Herbal Essence Shampoos. In Canada, Simmons has appeared on television advertisements promoting Simmon's mattresses in Canada (the company is a division of the US-based Simmons Bedding Company,) although, Simmons has no business connection with the company, other than through advertisement (strictly based on his name). The company has stated that they hired him purely on name and that he appeals to their target audience of women over 35.
He currently has a show on Sirius Stars, Sirius Satellite Radio channel 102, called Lighten Up with Richard Simmons, Sundays 3pm - 6pm ET live, with replays of the previous week before the live show, and the current week replays airing after the live show .
Fitness plans and marketing
- Simmons first marketed weight loss plan was called the Live It; the plan was explained in his first book Never Say Diet.
- He has since written several more books and produced the Deal A Meal and FoodMover weight loss plans.
- He hosts the Cruise to Lose program on Carnival Cruise Lines and has made cameo appearances in films.
- He also has produced fitness videos such as the Sweatin' to the Oldies series and infomercials for his videos, and food plans, such as The Deal-A-Meal program and FoodMover.
- Simmons made an exercise album for Elektra Records, titled Reach, in 1983.
- Simmons had a show in the 1980s called Slim Cookin'.
- Simmons teaches other instructors to teach The Simmons Method. Training is periodically provided at Hoot Camp, which allows AFAA-certified instructors to earn continuing education. Held in Beverly Hills, Hoot Camp is approved by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America (AFAA). Hoot Camp has also been held in Saint Joseph, Missouri.
- Simmons travels the United States, teaching classes, and spends time phoning people who ask for his help.
- He has a dedicated website -- www.richardsimmons.com.
- He currently hosts a three-hour weekly radio show called Lighten Up with Richard Simmons every Sunday afternoon on Sirius radio.
- Simmons has worked with Salton to develop a new and unique food steamer, called "Steam Heat" which made its debut on QVC in October 2006.
- Simmons recently filmed a pledge drive special for PBS, called Love Yourself And Win, set to begin airing in the spring of 2007.
- November 16, 2006, Simmons appeared on the Today Show to announce his "Ask America" crusade to get PE back into US public schools as a required course. Simmons asked the viewers go to his website at www.richardsimmons.com and fill out his Ask America survey to help him gather information to take to Washington DC.
Personal life
Personality
Simmons is notable for his high-energy and motivational demeanor, an attribute he often uses to help encourage people to lose weight. His trademark attire is candy-striped Dolfin shorts and tank tops decorated with Swarovski crystals. He is also well known for his naturally curly hair, which has led to physical comparisons between him and 70's pop singer Leo Sayer. [citation needed]
Simmons has always been known for his "personal touch", interacting at a personal level with the people using his products. This began when he started personally answering fan mail he received while a cast member of General Hospital. Simmons still personally answers emails and letters, and makes hundreds of phone calls each week to those who seek his help. He also talks to people on the air during his radio show, and holds weekly live chats in the "clubhouse" area of his website. His appearances also include a "meet and greet" time, so that people can speak to him one on one.
Controversy
On March 24, 2004, Simmons was arrested and charged with assault after allegedly slapping Chris Farney, a motorcycle salesman, at Sky Harbor International Airport in Phoenix, Arizona. The salesman spotted Simmons in the crowd and said, "Look, Richard Simmons! Drop your bags, let's rock to the '50s." Simmons allegedly replied, "It's not nice to make fun of people with issues," then lightly slapped Farney's face. The motorcycle salesman, who did not suffer any injuries, called the police. All charges against Simmons were dropped.[1]
Speculation about personal life
Based on his exuberance, as well as his apparel and appearance, Simmons has often been the subject of speculation about his personal life, particularly about his sexual orientation. Simmons has never spoken publicly about his personal life, though he has criticized those who "assume" he is gay just because he "doesn't act like a typical man."
Hurricane Katrina response
In September 2005 Simmons appeared on Entertainment Tonight to discuss the effects of Hurricane Katrina on his family in his hometown of New Orleans and his involvement in aiding those affected by the hurricane. On August 29, 2006 Simmons appeared on "Your World with Neil Cavuto" while making a return visit to New Orleans one year after the flooding, a visit he repeated on March 2, 2007, now talking about his recent trip to Washington DC to promote and raise awareness about The Strengthening Physical Education Act of 2007 (bill HR 1224).
Trivia
- Simmons briefly studied to become a priest.[2]
- In a deleted scene from The Simpsons episode "Burns' Heir", Mr. Burns forces Homer to leave his property by unleashing a robotic Richard Simmons. This scene later aired as an outtake in the 138th Episode Spectacular.[1]
- Simmons poked fun at the speculation of his sexuality during the skits he performed on the American version of Whose Line Is It Anyway.
- In Family Guy episode "Death Is a Bitch", a drunken Peter Griffin proves his immortality by taunting scary looking bikers with the questions "Hey, aren't you Richard Simmons?" and "Aren't you Richard Simmons' best friend, Richard Simmons?".
- Simmons was a frequent guest on The Howard Stern Show in the 1990s. He refused to appear after Stern insulted Simmons one too many times. Simmons finally reappeared on Stern's show on November 16, 2006.[3]
- Simmons was also a frequent guest on Late Night with David Letterman (NBC) and The Late Show with David Letterman (CBS). [4] On November 22, 2000, they had a falling out after an incident that occurred on that night's show. Simmons (while dressed as a turkey) was sprayed in the face by Letterman with a fire extinguisher after Simmons grabbed Letterman as if to hug or kiss him, causing Simmons to have a severe asthma attack.[5] Simmons did not appear on the Letterman show for six years, finally returning on November 29, 2006. During that appearance, Letterman once again set Simmons up for a prank. While Richard Simmons was demonstrating a steamer branded with his name, Letterman insisted on placing a tray under the steamer which Simmons did not believe belonged there. When Simmons turned the steamer on, something in the tray under it exploded and started burning. Though initially scared, Simmons took the incident in fairly good nature, even joking that he "felt like Michael Jackson" (referring to a mishap where Jackson's hair was set on fire by a malfunctioning light.)[6]
- An animated version of Simmons appeared in a Johnny Bravo episode as a man who used to bully Johnny when they were kids.[7]
- In an episode of Rocko's Modern Life Rocko and Heffer went to a gym and a workout helper there resembled much of Richard Simmons. In fact, Richard Simmons voiced this character, evident in the credits. And that character returned in a TV commercial in the show in a commercial that said, "Sweatin in your undies." This second appearance did not feature a voice with the character.
Print and media
Books
- Never Say Diet ISBN 0-517-40284-X
- Never Say Diet Cookbook
- The Better Body Book
- Reach for Fitness: A Special Book of Exercises for the Physically Challenged Warner Books 1986 ISBN 0-446-51302-4
- Richard Simmons' Never Give Up: Inspirations, Reflections, Stories of Hope Warner Books, 1984 ISBN 0-446-60085-7
- Farewell to Fat Atlantic Books 2002 ISBN 1-57719-102-1
- Sweetie Pie
- Still Hungry After All These Years: My Story Gt Pub Corp 1999 ISBN 1-57719-356-3
- The FoodMover Cookbook
- Cookin' on Broadway
- Steam Away the Pounds
Audio
Audio cassette
- Project Me (six tape set)
- Sweatin' and Sharin'
- Colors of Your Life (single tape)
- Colors of Your Life (six tape set)
- Take a Walk
- Take a Hike
- Take a Classical Walk
- Walkin' on Broadway
- Walk Around the World
- Never Give Up (book on tape, read by Simmons)
Compact discs
- Richard Picks the Hits, Volume 1
- Richard Picks the Hits, Volume 2
- Country Cardio
- Oh Happy Day
- Fitness Fiesta
- Wicked Workout
- Big Screen Burn
- Shimmy Into Shape
- In the Mood to Lose
- Classical Chillout
Vinyl record
- Reach (Elektra Records) (vinyl)
Visual media
DVDs
- Richard Simmons and the Silver Foxes
- Disco Sweat
- SuperSweatin': Party Off the Pounds
- SuperTonin': Totally Tonin
- SuperTonin': Totally Tonin' with Toning Rings
Video cassette
- Everyday with Richard Simmons
- The Stomach Formula
- Get Started
- Reach for Fitness
- Richard Simmons and the Silver Foxes
- Sweatin' to the Oldies
- Sweatin' to the Oldies 2
- Sweatin' to the Oldies 3
- Sweat and Shout (also sold as Sweatin to the Oldies 4)
- Day By Day (Volumes 1-12)
- Pump and Sweat
- Step and Sweat
- Tone and Sweat
- Disco Sweat
- Stretchin' to the Classics
- Dance Your Pants Off!
- Tonin' Uptown
- Tonin' Downtown
- Groovin' In The House
- The Ab Formula
- No Ifs Ands or Butts
- Love to Stretch
- Blast Off
- Broadway Sweat
- Tone Up On Broadway
- Broadway Blast Off
- Platinum Sweat
- Sit Tight
- Latin Blast Off (also marketed as Sudar Mucho)
- Mega Mix Blast Off
- Mega Mix 2 Blast Off
- Disco Blast Off
- 60's Blast Off
- 80's Blast Off
- Blast and Tone
References
- ^ "Simmons Assault Charge Exorcised". CBS News. May 26, 2004. Retrieved 2007-02-09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ Chandler, Rick (January 19, 2007). "Church of Richard Simmons: Fitness advocate leads workout at Stateline". Tahoe Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2007-02-09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ McShane, Larry (2007-02-07). "Stars cross paths at Sirius studios". North Jersey Media Group. Retrieved 2007-02-10.
- ^ http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0799873/
- ^ McIntee, Michael Z. (December 26, 2006). "Show #2661". CBS Late Show with David Letterman. Retrieved 2007-02-09.
{{cite web}}: Check date values in:|date=(help) - ^ http://www.funnyclipcentral.com/content/simmonssteamer.php
- ^ http://www.tv.com/johnny-bravo/get-shovelized!---t-is-for-trouble/episode/339210/summary.html