TL;DR
- Diane Sawyer explores Richard Simmons’ life and death.
- The special airs on May 12 at 9 PM ET.
- Simmons vanished from public life in 2014.
- His death was ruled accidental due to health issues.
- The special promises to reveal hidden truths.
Get ready to sweat the details as Diane Sawyer takes us on a journey into the enigmatic world of Richard Simmons, the fitness icon who went from household name to a ghost in the public eye. In her upcoming special, “The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special,” airing on May 12, Sawyer will delve deep into the life, legacy, and the shocking circumstances surrounding Simmons’ death on July 11, 2024.
Once the face of fitness with his vibrant personality and catchy workout videos like the beloved “Sweatin’ to the Oldies,” Simmons was a beacon of positivity and health. But in 2014, he mysteriously vanished from the limelight, leaving fans and friends alike scratching their heads and speculating about his well-being. What could have caused such a sudden retreat from the public eye? Was it a personal choice, or something more sinister?

In the special, viewers will get a glimpse of never-before-seen footage and hear from those closest to Simmons, including his longtime house manager, Teresa Reveles, who was the last person to see him alive. “This is the first time I’m talking about this,” Reveles reveals in a teaser clip, hinting at the secrets that have been locked away since Simmons’ disappearance.
As if that weren’t enough drama, Simmons had been quietly planning a comeback and even reached out to Sawyer to share his story, sending her flowers with a note that read, “I trust you.” Tragically, he passed away just as preparations for the interview were underway. His death was ruled accidental, with heart disease and complications from previous falls cited as contributing factors.

But the intrigue doesn’t stop there. After his passing, Simmons’ brother extended an invitation to Sawyer to explore the hidden world of Richard Simmons, promising to shed light on the life of this beloved icon who touched so many lives. The special aims to unravel the truth behind his disappearance and offer a poignant look at the legacy he left behind.
“The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special” is not just another true crime story; it’s a heartfelt exploration of a man who inspired millions and the secrets that surrounded his life. Will it answer the burning questions that fans have been asking for years? Tune in to find out!

Mark your calendars for May 12 at 9 PM ET on ABC, and catch the special streaming the next day on Disney+ and Hulu. This is one mystery you won’t want to miss!