Interviewing And Meeting Richard Simmons

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

The health guru’s infectious vitality was simple. My two encounters with him after I was a newspaper reporter for the Pocono File 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 folks get wholesome and drop a few pounds in a enjoyable approach, Simmons left the limelight for a quieter life in 2014. He nonetheless motivated his followers on social media up till the morning of his demise.

On Saturday morning, Simmons shared a photograph on Facebook merely captioned, “Good day 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 price. You helped SO many individuals. There’s a gigantic gap on the planet,” one individual emotionally shared.

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

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

When he obtained on the decision, he had such wonderful vitality 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 cellphone interview, I had the chance to satisfy him in individual when he was within the space for his occasion. After we met, he acted like we would identified one another for a lifetime. He made me really feel like we have been outdated buddies and that he genuinely loved assembly me.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 approach. He approached each single individual as in the event that they have been his long-lost buddy. He was so real, energetic, and approachable. (See my story in regards to the occasion here.)

After 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 obtained frightened. Not realizing who the person was within the footage, he instructed his father I had a boyfriend. After all, all of us obtained snicker over that, and even to at the present time, we generally carry that comic story 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 obtained 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. Glad Birthday I’m glad you had a lot to smile about. One of many issues I all the time admire about you is the sincerity in your eyes and your smile, although we now have by no means met a message you convey via your present all of the exercising encouragement all the time made me really feel like I used to be a buddy,” one individual wrote.

One other mentioned, “Wishing you the sweetest and most significant birthday, Richard. You have got given (and proceed to carry) a lot goodness to so many individuals. Thanks for all the time protecting it actual. Could you take pleasure in good well being, true buddies, a lot love and laughter, and all that brings success to your lovely coronary heart.”

Lower than per week earlier than his demise, Simmons held a reside 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 mentioned that some do not consider it is him throughout the reside chat and mentioned, “Possibly you should not come. Attempt one other Richard to do a chat with like Richard Gere, Richard Dean Anderson, or the singer and songwriter Richard Marx.”

Simmons additionally not too long ago shared many tales along 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 not too long ago shared within the feedback, “You by no means obtained the prospect to inform your story in your personal phrases. Relaxation in peace candy, Richard Simmons.”

One factor that is simple is that Simmons will all the time be remembered for his infectious vitality and for doing what he actually cherished to do – assist others.

Many individuals dropped into the remark part of his ultimate Fb publish 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 gentle with us,” one individual 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.