Talk:Richard Simmons

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Gay or not?

To address this clearly for all those who may wish comment (please note this is not a chatroom but a discussion to improve the article only). Per WP:BIO we do not label or insinuate someone is gay even if you "know it". Any references to Simmons sexuality (just like all other bios) need to be backed by reliable sources. If you have a link to a reliable source that discusses the issue consider posting it here so other editors can also verify its use. Any other references to Simmons being strait, married, gay, gay-acting, etc are pretty much useless without a reliable source to back it up. If you just wish to speculate about someone's sexuality Wikipedia is simply not the place. Benjiboi 21:34, 26 November 2007 (UTC)

I think "Simmons is also known for his flamboyancy" may be a euphemism for the above. AuntFlo (talk) 07:11, 5 May 2008 (UTC)

I came to his wikipedia page specifically to find out if he was gay or not after watching a YouTube clip of him on Whose Line is it Anyway, where it was strongly implied, though perhaps only in jest. I wanted to know if he was responding to popular impressions of himself, or being himself, or both. I came here to find the 'truth' of him being gay or not. It's a natural question to ask, given at least the way he chose to portray himself on that show. So it should be a fair question to answer. If we honestly don't know, that's one thing. But ignoring the issue altogether is just politics, which doesn't seem wise to have here. I imagine people who look up Richard Simmons would find his sexuality to be relevant, given all of this. --Bane1998 (talk) 22:57, 23 July 2008 (UTC)

http://www.bobfromaccounting.com/2_11_02/richardsimmonsarticle.html is the only source I could seem to find where he is quoted on the issue. Though who knwos how reliable 'bob from accounting' is. If you believe this article, he is not gay, or at least doesn't admit it, but he does recognize how he is seen, and capitalizes on that. Which is noteworthy in and of itself, though I'm not sure I'd like to be the one modifying this article. Maybe if no one else does and I ever remember to come back here. --Bane1998 (talk) 23:03, 23 July 2008 (UTC)

There is no doubt that Richard is flambouyant (which is not a euphamism). Flamouyancy is a personality trait shared by many people (women, and straight and gay men). It doesn't really have anything to do with sexual orientation. Richard has stated that he is not gay, but "might as well be" . Richard is merely a sensitive male, most likely non-sexual, actually. He just loves people in general and has shown no sexual preference for either sex. He has shown more sympathy for overweight women than he has even the "buffest" man. Anyway, what difference does it make? Who cares if he's gay? He's just a good person who cares about his fellow human beings. If there were more people like him, the world would be a MUCH better place.

Shawn Crapo (talk) 02:46, 25 July 2008 (UTC)

Bob From Accounting is a parody news site akin to the Onion. Any quotes are fabricated, so you're even further from an answer!--69.149.227.58 (talk) 06:20, 8 December 2008 (UTC)

Zero information about family, personal relationships, etc.

Is he married? Does he have a girlfriend? A boyfriend?? Does he have brothers or sisters? I don't know the answer to any of these questions, but if you do, this article needs your help. --Hermitage 23:02, 1 July 2007 (UTC)

He has one brother... two years older than him. No sisters. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 69.180.254.215 (talk) 02:49, 23 September 2007 (UTC)

Well of course there's zero information about his personal life. It isbecause he's gay. Of course, in wikipedia, nothing less than a notarized photograph of Simmons in homosexual intercourse will suffice. Ironic, isn't it, that no such evidence is needed to prove somebody is straight, or as the usual wiki illiterate wrote earlier, "strait." Professor Von Pie 00:54, 23 March 2008 (UTC)

^Excellent point. --24.21.148.212 (talk) 09:02, 26 March 2009 (UTC)

Simmons's Birth Year/Age

The birth year given right now for Richard is 1948, making him 59 years old as of today, October 16, 2007. However, he just went on The Late Show with David Letterman tonight and they talked about how he had just recently turned 60. This would imply that he was actually born in 1947. I would edit it, but the page is currently edit-protected. 70.162.122.171 06:21, 17 October 2007 (UTC)

He actually said "I'm going to be 60 years old" which doesn't imply necessarily 1947. However, it is odd that Letterman first said, "By the way, Happy Birthday. It's a very significant, kind of a milestone birthday. I've attained it myself and congratulations to you. Tell the folks how old you're going to be." It does seem odd. However, every single Google search lists his birth date as July 12, 1948. I wouldn't change it unless you can confirm differently from a reliable source. SmallRepair 04:01, 19 October 2007 (UTC)

Controversy

The "controversy" currently on the page seems very very minor, and certainly not worth of being noted in an encyclopedia article. Should it not be removed? 24.82.180.196 06:01, 2 November 2007 (UTC)

Actually it was even more minor than presented. I've cleaned off the misinformation and pared it down per undue weight. It's worth keeping at the moment until someone does a full article overhaul. Benjiboi 11:17, 2 November 2007 (UTC)

Article still reads like it was written by a publicist. 219.78.88.71 (talk) 02:41, 31 January 2009 (UTC)

Agreed. Its very perky, odd. --24.21.148.212 (talk) 09:04, 26 March 2009 (UTC)

The incident at Sky Harbor Airport while funny and true, did not involve anyone who has ever participated in an organized MMA bout of any kind. I have fought in Phoenix for many years as an amateur and professional, and have never heard of anyone by that name. I edited it and even gave a reference in the Sherdog MMA database showing there is nobody by that name who has participated in MMA anywhere. I think it's funny, but don't let someone demean and misrepresent our sport. The guy probably had it coming. Jammer871 (talk) 21:40, 5 January 2008 (UTC)

We have to stick with the ref we have although the sherdog forum is interesting. Benjiboi 09:33, 8 January 2008 (UTC)

Perhaps the only interesting bit of information from the "incident" at Sky Harbor Airport is that Simmons' first name at birth appears to be Milton. Should this be added to this article? 76.102.81.104 (talk) 21:55, 6 April 2008 (UTC)

Anybody care to explain what the hell this is about? --24.21.148.212 (talk) 09:04, 26 March 2009 (UTC)

WikiProject class rating

Resolved

This article was automatically assessed because at least one WikiProject had rated the article as start, and the rating on other projects was brought up to start class. BetacommandBot 06:28, 10 November 2007 (UTC)

Dick Simmons

How do you know Simmons from Red vs. Blue is named after Richard Simmons? There is no proof. For all we know, he could be named after Gene Simmons, or RT could have named him after no one and just gave him the name Simmons. Anonoymus 6:06, 3 February 2008

I've added fact tag to that item, it doesn't seem notable so will probably be deleted soon anyway. Benjiboi 03:24, 4 February 2008 (UTC)

Christopher Farney

I've been reverted twice by Benjiboi for adding edits (one with a source) that says Farney is a "self-proclaimed cage fighter." Benjiboi, can you explain how this source does not pass WP:RS? Sherdog.com, an extensive database on mixed martial arts fighters, also supports the source, in that it has no record of a Chris Farney or Christopher Farney. hateless 04:18, 4 February 2008 (UTC)

Sadly we have to stick with sources, if they say the sky is blue, it's blue until we provide a source that says otherwise. I think wew have to further refine the explanation that he was called ___ but later that is shown not to be true. Benjiboi 07:31, 4 February 2008 (UTC)

OK, I've re-added the ref all showing that this entire "controversy is" pretty negligible, Farlay's standing, by the way is noted as the sources reported. I really don't care, at all, abou t his prominence but if other sources appear I'm happy to help update. Benjiboi 07:45, 4 February 2008 (UTC)

Simmons interview

I have an interview with Simmons' to add to his page. It is located at: http://www.publicschoolinsights.org/?storyId=19340&index=41

It is an extensive interview about his new life's work--promoting physical education--which is not covered in depth elsewhere on the page.

I can't add it to the article because 1. it's locked for editing and 2. my organization conducted the interview, which may make it a conflict of interest.

However, if anyone else would like to add it--feel free. (LearningFirst2008 (talk) 15:36, 6 June 2008 (UTC))

Competitors

If this violate guidelines, please remove. The intention is good.

I'm a year and a half older than Richard Simmons, and I believe except for a little flab that has to go I'm in as good or better shape, especially in the upper body. I'm trying to share how it came about for free - although I do hope to make a profession out of it in the long run. http://www.QuestForEndorphins.com http://www.YouTube.com/QfeGuy YAC (talk) 15:50, 4 August 2008 (UTC)

catholic reference unrelated?

"As a self-described devout Catholic, Simmons still personally answers emails and letters, and makes hundreds of phone calls each week to those who seek his help."

This sounds off - what does his dedication to communicating with his fans have to do with his 'self-described' Catholicism? 67.160.173.101 (talk) 21:50, 6 August 2008 (UTC)

fix grammar please

"Recently, Simmons has begun a push to get physical education incorporated into the No Child Left Behind Act [3]. He reports having met with U.S. Representative George Miller, the chairman of the House education committee, in hope of winning the Democrat's support for a plan to have elementary schools provide 150 minutes of PE each week. Simmons is scheduled to testify before the House Education and Labor Committee on July 24, 2008."

Please change "Democrat's" to "Democrats'" —Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.134.74.183 (talk) 06:57, 11 August 2008 (UTC)

• There is no need to change the grammar on this. The blurb is referring to Rep. Miller, not the Democratic Caucus. Therefore, it is "the Democrat's". If Simmons was trying to get the caucus onboard, it would be "the Democrats".Shrekums (talk) 21:54, 12 October 2008 (UTC)
  • Actually, it would then be "the Democrats'" DRosenbach ^{(Talk | Contribs)} 16:09, 16 December 2008 (UTC)

References

In The reference to the Bob Rivers Presents More Twisted Christmas Album, it says it is unclear if it is Richard Simmons or an impersonator. I actually have the album and it credits "Richard Simmons as himself." —Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.163.69.213 (talk) 02:59, 10 December 2008 (UTC)

WP:FOOD Tagging

This article talk page was automatically added with {{WikiProject Food and drink}} banner as it falls under Category:Restaurants or one of its subcategories. If you find this addition an error, Kindly undo the changes and update the inappropriate categories if needed. You can find the related request for tagging here -- TinucherianBot (talk) 10:57, 2 July 2008 (UTC)

I have removed this tagging - not quite sure why it was done in the first place. If someone wishes to re-add the Food and Drink tag, drop me a line on my talk page to explain why - i simply don't understand any reason for the tag to be placed (Mr. Simmons is neither food nor drink) -TinGrin 03:24, 22 November 2008 (UTC)

Flamboyant? Not in real life!

The article says: "Simmons is also known for his flamboyancy". That's not exactly right. In real life Simmons is not flamboyant at all. Simmons started using flamboyancy as part of his media image at the time when he organized his first gyms and aerobics classes for fat women. Many of those women had an extremely low self-esteem and considered themselves ugly and ridiculous. For that reason, many of them felt self-conscious about exercising in public, especially in front of him because at that time he looked fit and good-looking in comparison. To solve this problem, Simmons came up with an original idea: To look more unattractive and ridiculous than any member of his exercise classes. After that it became much easier for him to motivate fat women to exercise in public and to appear in his promotional materials such as videos and TV ads. Fat women felt much more relaxed and self-confident next to a flamboyant clown. In other words, flamboyancy of Richard Simmons has nothing to do with his sexuality but a lot to do with his business acumen and creativity as a businessman. Пипумбрик (talk) 01:57, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

That may be true (and an interesting addition if there's a source) but it's beside the point. Regardless of whether he's naturally flamboyant or he simply acts that way, it's part of what he's known for. ·:· Will Beback ·:· 04:05, 3 December 2008 (UTC)

Can someone document a source that states these women are actually "fat" as opposed to "big boned, bbw, husky, food-aholics, obese, overweight, pear shaped, or first cousin to a fireplug?" "Fat" carries such a stigma....or so I am told. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 74.138.221.7 (talk) 14:00, 24 March 2009 (UTC)

Foot Fetish?

I have seen interviews recently where Richard Simmons goes around kissing female reporters' feet. Now, I'm not saying this should be added to his page, but I think it might be something worth adding given the proper research. In my opinion, I believe he has a foot fetish, but I could be wrong. I definitely think this is worth looking into, though. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 68.23.11.245 (talk) 18:08, 7 February 2009 (UTC)