Is Richard Simmons Hollywood's most tortured star? As once-flamboyant fitness guru is diagnosed with cancer, his MANY painful hardships laid bare - from near-fatal eating disorder to mysterious disappearance that sparked SEX CHANGE conspiracies

During the height of his fame, Richard Simmons was credited with transforming and even saving the lives of his most devoted followers. But as it turns out, the once-flamboyant fitness guru was really the one who needed saving. 

Simmons, now 75, boasts an incredibly impressive legacy across the globe, having helped millions to lose weight through his aerobic classes and at-home workout videos.  

But his talent for transformation actually began much closer to home.  

The exercise expert opened his first gym in 1974 after overcoming a horrific life-threatening eating disorder that had stemmed from the relentless bullying he endured over his weight as a teen.

But what started as a bid to provide assistance to those who may need help losing some weight quickly transformed into a massive fitness empire, turning Richard into a huge Hollywood star along the way.

Thanks to his eccentric personality, flamboyant outfits, and dazzling energy, he racked up an immense fanbase who avidly turned to him not only for exercise advise, but also to put a smile on their faces.

Richard Simmons helped millions of people across the globe lose weight - but the fitness guru's impressive career was overshadowed by his devastating plunge from the spotlight

The exercise expert, now 75, suddenly  disappeared entirely from the spotlight in 2014, leaving many to wonder: What happened to him? He's seen in 2013 at one of his final appearances

Richard's rise to the top and departure from the Hollywood has been on the forefront on everyone's minds this week - as he has now revealed that he has skin cancer. He's seen in 2011

But in recent years, the gleefully optimistic media personality beloved by America has become a shell of his former self.

In 2014, the man who once clamored for a chance to get in front of cameras suddenly disappeared entirely from the spotlight overnight, leaving many to wonder: What would drive one of the most extroverted characters in the world to abruptly become a recluse?

His shocking and sudden exit from Hollywood sparked immense speculation from his supporters - and wild theories quickly began to circulate.

Amid the devastating news, FEMAIL went ahead and recapped his rollercoaster ride journey from start to finish - from how he almost died from his extreme dieting to how he ultimately used his past problems to help others lose weight in a healthy way - before leaving it all behind to go into hiding

One person who used to work with Richard claimed he was being held prisoner in his home by his housekeeper; but arguably the most shocking twist to Richard's story was when the National Enquirer issued a report that claimed he had secretly undergone gender-reassignment surgery and was now living as a woman named Fiona - both of which he denied.

Over the last decade, Richard has only been spotted once - for a court appearance - and he made sure to cover his face with a blanket.

The former exercise guru who was once a beacon of positivity and optimism has never revealed the true reasons behind why he decided to go into hiding, but some have wondered if it wasn't as dramatic as a sex change or a kidnapping.

Perhaps the growing attention and immense pressure that came with it simply become too much for the star.

While on the outside it seemed that he always had a smile on his face, the star has been open about how he struggled with people constantly 'making fun of him' while battling the insecurities that he developed from his rough childhood and past weight problems.

Richard's quick rise to the top and tragic departure from the spotlight has been on the forefront on everyone's minds this week -  as he has now revealed that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer. 

Amid the devastating news, FEMAIL went ahead and recapped his rollercoaster ride journey from start to finish - from his childhood that was riddled by bullying and how he almost died from his extreme dieting to how he ultimately used his past problems to help others lose weight in a healthy way - before leaving it all behind to go into hiding.

We also broke down everything we know about his dramatic Hollywood exit, what lead to it, and what he's been up to since becoming a recluse.

A childhood riddled by bullying: Richard's weight soared to 268 pounds as a teen, and after years of being made fun of, he developed an unhealthy obsession with dieting that almost ended his life

Richard (seen in 1983) was bullied relentlessly over his size during his childhood, and by the time he was in high school, his weight soared to 268 pounds 

While studying overseas in Italy, he was approached by a casting director who said he was looking for someone oversized - and he was cast in the 1969 flick Fellini Satyricon (seen)

Born as Milton Teagle Simmons in New Orleans, Louisiana, on July 12, 1948, Richard had a knack for entertaining from a young age.

His parents were both performers - his mother, Shirley, was a dancer, while his father, Leonard, worked as a master of ceremonies - and by the time he was eight, he was using his vivacious personality to sell candy to tourists on the streets of the French Quarter of New Orleans where he lived.

It seemed he was destined for stardom from the start - but in addition to his passion for performing, he also had a fierce love of food.

'I came out of my mother's womb with a fork,' he wrote in his 1999 memoir, Still Hungry After All These Years. 

By the time he was in high school, Richard's weight had soared to 268 pounds - which lead to relentless bullying from his peers.

'I went through a lot of hurt as a child,' he once recalled in an interview. 'I went to my first Halloween party dressed as a couch. I was the one made fun of. I felt very bad about myself.'

But Richard's weight is to thank for his enter into the spotlight. While studying overseas in Florence, Italy, during the late '60s, he was approached by a casting director who said he was looking for someone oversized to portray a nobleman in a film he was working on.

'He only wanted me because I was fat,' Richard recalled in his autobiography.

Whatever the reason was, Richard got a small role in the 1969 flick Fellini Satyricon, and his love of performing was reignited. 

As his acting career began to flourish, Richard developed an unhealthy obsession with dieting that got so severe, he nearly lost his life. He's seen in 1980

By age 20, his weight had dropped down to 119 pounds and was forced to be hospitalized. He then moved to LA and opened his own gym in 1974, called Slimmons. He's seen in 1982

It catered to overweight clients and was an instant, revolutionary hit – largely because most fitness facilities at the time served those already in good shape. He's seen in 1983

He began starring in a slew of Italian commercials - but as his acting career began to flourish, Richard struggled immensely with his growing insecurity over his size.

He soon developed an unhealthy obsession with dieting that got so severe, he nearly lost his life.

'At a certain point, I was very afraid to eat because I was very afraid to die,' he told Oprah. 'Like, when I saw spaghetti, I saw worms. I started picturing food as an enemy.'

By age 20, his weight had dropped down to 119 pounds and was forced to be hospitalized.

After hitting rock bottom and realizing he needed to make a change, he decided to take a break from acting and moved back to the States.

He landed in Los Angeles, where he worked part time as a maître d’ and began to research healthier ways to slim down.

He started participating in aerobics and studying nutrition - and suddenly, a new passion sparked inside of him.

After coming close to death due to his unhealthy relationship with food, Richard became determined to help others who may be struggling with similar problems. 

He opened his own gym in Beverly Hills in 1974, called Slimmons, which was catered to overweight clients, and it was an instant, revolutionary hit – largely because most fitness facilities at the time served those already in good shape. 

Smiling on the outside, but struggling on the inside: Richard used his life-threatening weight loss battle to launch a massive fitness empire, but began to crumble under the spotlight  

Thanks to his eccentric personality, he transformed his new gym into a massive fitness empire, and turned himself into a media sensation along the way. He's seen in 2003

Throughout the '80s, he made a slew of television appearances and played himself in General Hospital from 1979 until 1983 (seen), which only cemented his status as a Hollywood star

He went on to launch two shows of his own - Slim Cookin' and The Richard Simmons Show, the latter of which ran from 1980 until 1985 and won an Emmy Award. He's seen in 1992 

By 1988 he was a household name, with his first VHS tape, Sweatin' to the Oldies, becoming the bestselling home fitness video of all time, grossing north of $200 million

Thanks to Richard's roots as a performer, as well as his eccentric and memorable personality, he transformed his new gym into a massive fitness empire, and turned himself into a media sensation along the way.

He first gained attention for appearing on the NBC reality series Real People in the late '70s, and immediately, the world became enthralled with his story.

Throughout the '80s, he made a slew of television appearances on shows like Battlestars, Win, Lose or Draw, Match Game, and Figure It Out.

He also played himself in General Hospital from 1979 until 1983, which only cemented his status as a Hollywood star.

He went on to launch two shows of his own - Slim Cookin' and The Richard Simmons Show, the latter of which ran from 1980 until 1985 and won an Emmy Award. 

In the years that followed, he went on to release 12 books and dozens of wildly successful VHS tapes and DVDs. He's seen in 2004

Richard was soon a common fixture on late-night television. He's seen in 1999

More often than not, the object of good-natured ribbing, especially during his many appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman. He's seen leaving the show in 2011

It focused on him discussing his journey, sharing exercise tips, and interviewing experts.

By 1988 he was a household name, with his first VHS tape, Sweatin' to the Oldies, becoming the bestselling home fitness video of all time, grossing north of $200 million. 

In the years that followed, he went on to release 12 books and dozens of wildly successful VHS tapes and DVDs.

Clad in hot pants and bedazzled tank tops, Richard was soon a common fixture on late-night television – and, more often than not, the object of good-natured ribbing, especially during his many appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman. 

But while Richard laughed along, the jokes began to take their toll on him. 

His disappearance: One of the most extroverted characters in America abruptly became a recluse, launching a slew of conspiracy theories like he was being held prisoner or living as a woman

In February 2014, Richard failed to show up to the Beverly Hills exercise class he had led for over 40 years and all but dropped off the face of the earth. He's seen in 2010

His disappearance drove headlines around the globe, as many began to wonder, what would drive one of the most extroverted characters in America to abruptly become a recluse?

In February 2014, Richard failed to show up to the Beverly Hills exercise class he had led for over 40 years. 

And after that, the media sensation all but dropped off the face of the earth.

His disappearance drove headlines around the globe, especially after a podcast discussing his sudden departure from the spotlight, entitled Missing Richard Simmons, went number one in early 2017.

There was a feeding frenzy in the media as many began to wonder, what would drive one of the most extroverted characters in America to abruptly become a recluse? 

Wild theories began to circulate - and Richard's former masseur Mauro Oliveira even claimed his housekeeper was using 'black magic' to hold him prisoner in his own home.

Speaking to the NY Daily News, Mauro explained that he struck a fast friendship with Richard in 2013.

But he said Richard called him randomly in 2014 and told him he wanted to be alone, and that the two could no longer see each other. 

Shortly after, the Brazilian said he was thrown out of the house by Richard's house-keeper Teresa Reveles who reportedly forbade him to go upstairs and shouted at him to get out when he tried to visit Richard. 

Mauro told the news outlet that Richard said 'yes' when he asked whether Teresa was controlling his life.

'I think it was [caused by] black magic, witchcraft. That’s not close to your culture, but to my culture in Brazil, and to Mexicans, that is a real thing. They invoke the spirits,' he added.

Wild theories began to circulate - and Richard's former masseur even claimed his housekeeper was using 'black magic' to hold him prisoner. He's seen in 2013

Richard was finally forced to publicly respond, telling Entertainment Tonight over the phone, 'I am not kidnapped. No one is holding me in my house as a hostage.' He's seen in 2013

Things only got more wild when the National Enquirer alleged that he had secretly undergone gender-reassignment surgery to live as a 'soft-spoken' woman named 'Fiona'

Richard was finally forced to publicly respond, telling Entertainment Tonight over the phone, 'I am not kidnapped. No one is holding me in my house as a hostage.'

The star said he simply needed 'to take some time to be by himself,' but did not divulge any other info.

Things only got more wild, however, when the National Enquirer alleged that he had secretly undergone gender-reassignment surgery to live as a 'soft-spoken' woman named 'Fiona.' 

It was reported that he'd had breast implant surgery as well as hormone therapy over the course of two years. 

To accompany the explosive report, the outlet released a series of images showing Richard cross-dressing in white fur-lined women's lingerie, wearing thigh-high boots and a wig. 

In one picture, Richard lied on the side of a bathtub, legs splayed, nails painted silver, wearing a diamond ring and bracelet. 

As it turns out, the pictures were sold to the publication by Mauro - the Brazilian masseur who had said he was being held by his maid. 

Richard denied allegations and sued the Enquirer for defamation - but he ultimately lost the case and was ordered by a court to pay the $130,000 legal fees accrued by the publishers. And the ordeal only pushed him further inward.

TMZ reported in a documentary about Richard's appearance in 2020 that he left the spotlight because he had suffered a knee injury that forced him to need replacement surgery - and it plunged him into a 'deep depression.'

TMZ reported that he left the spotlight because he had suffered a knee injury that forced him to need replacement surgery - and it plunged him into a 'deep depression.' He's seen in 2008

Fellow fitness icon Suzanne Somers (seen in 2022) theorized that his 'insecurities' were to blame during the doc. She said, 'Something was broken inside'

'Doctors told him back in 2014, around the time he disappeared, that he needed a left knee replacement,' the outlet said. 'And if he didn’t get one, he might never be able to exercise again. 

'Now, this is key to the disappearance of Richard Simmons. The prospect of surgery, of becoming sedentary, caused Richard to sink into a deep depression.'

'Richard still hasn’t gotten corrective surgery on his left knee. He walks with a cane and that explains a lot. He’s just not the same guy anymore.

'Richard wanted to retreat before his image was recast as an old man. And his knee problems were a huge factor in his decision.'

Fellow fitness icon Suzanne Somers theorized that his 'insecurities' were to blame during the doc. 

Recalling her last interaction with Richard, she explained: 'One night I was on the Larry King Show and he was either going to be a guest or supposed to be a guest, and I heard through the Larry King people that he didn't want to be on the show with me.

'I said, "Why?" and he said, "She'll make fun of me." And that's not my style, I never make fun of anybody. But that's when I realized a little insecurity has gotten in there.

'I liked him. I was always so surprised when he thought I'd make fun of him. But doesn't that show you he's got a heartache? Something's broken inside because he did it. He had it and then let it go.'

Battling scandal after scandal while hiding from the world: Richard faced a terrifying health scare in 2017, and became embroiled in a highly publicized court battle one year later

In April 2017, Richard left the confines of his California estate for the first time in three years - when he had to be hospitalized for 'severe indigestion.' He's seen in 2013

In April 2017, Richard left the confines of his California estate for the first time in three years - when he had to be hospitalized for 'severe indigestion.'

'He’s already feeling better and is expected to make a full recovery,' said his rep at the time. 

Afterwards, he made a rare statement on his Facebook page, sharing a message to 'everyone who had shown concern for him' and 'sent their good wishes' amid the health scare.

'You will never know how much it means to me,' he said. 'Just knowing you care has already made me feel better.'

The star jokingly added, 'Aren’t you sick of hearing and reading about me?

'By now, you know that I'm not "missing," just a little bit under the weather. I'm sure I will be feeling good and back home in a couple of days.'

He encouraged his fans to not be 'afraid to reach out and ask for help if they need it.' 

'This has reminded me that when you need help you can't be afraid to reach out and ask for it,' he continued.

'We all think we should always be able to solve our problem all by ourselves and sometimes it's just bigger than we are.

By 2018, Richard was embroiled in another scandal after it was revealed that he was suing a private detective for 'placing a tracking device on his car for over a year.' He's seen in court

He and his live-in caretaker Theresa Reveles (seen together) were seeking punitive and treble damages for invasion of privacy from LA-based PI Scott Brian Matthews

'I reached out and I hope you will too. I'm sure there are people in your life who love and care for you and would do anything to help you with the challenges you face.'

Richard ended the note with, 'Hope you see you again soon.' 

By 2018, Richard was embroiled in another scandal after it was revealed that he was suing a private detective for 'placing a tracking device on his car for over a year.'

He and his live-in caretaker Theresa were seeking punitive and treble damages for invasion of privacy and trespass after suffering 'mental anguish, anxiety, feeling of powerlessness, frustration, and humiliation' at the hands of LA-based PI Scott Brian Matthews.

He claimed Scott provided information about his hospital visits to the National Enquirer. 

He was spotted exiting the court room - the first time he was seen in over four years - with a blanket completely covering his head. The case is still ongoing.

The latest devastating turn in his story: Star announced he'd been diagnosed with skin cancer - as the world gears up for a new biopic about him starring Pauly Shore

In January 2024, news hit the web that Richard would be the subject of a new biopic starring Pauly Shore (seen playing him)

Immediately, the fitness guru made it clear that he did not approve of the project in a post on Facebook

In January 2024, news hit the web that Richard would be the subject of a new biopic starring Pauly Shore.

Immediately, the fitness guru made it clear that he did not approve of the project in a post on Facebook.

'You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,' he wrote. 

'I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.'

Afterwards, a longtime friend of Richard's told DailyMail.com exclusively that Richard felt 'backed into a corner' by Hollywood's rush to exploit his life story.

Afterwards, a longtime friend of Richard's told DailyMail.com exclusively that Richard felt 'backed into a corner' by Hollywood's rush to exploit his life story. He's seen in 2013

'Richard cares deeply for his fans but is just so worried about being the butt of the joke,' they said. He's pictured in 2013

Now, Richard has announced that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer, but his representative assured fans that the star is 'healthy and not dying.' He's seen in 2013

'Richard cares deeply for his fans but is just so worried about being the butt of the joke,' they said. 

Earlier this week, Richard sparked concern when he shared a cryptic post to Facebook about dying.

'I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am ... dying. Oh I can see your faces now. 

'The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest every single day. 

'Get up in the morning and look at the sky… count your blessings and enjoy.'

Afterwards, his representative assured fans that the star is 'healthy and not dying.'

Then, in a follow-up Facebook post, Richard announced that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.

He explained that he had noticed a 'strange looking bump under his right eye,' which was identified by a doctor as Basel Cell Carcinoma.

He said his doctor attempted to treat it by 'burning' his 'skin to remove the cancer cells.'

He had to undergo the extremely 'painful' process three different times but said it was ultimately successful and that 'all the cancer cells are now out.'

'Before I left, he checked my arms, my back, my chest and my legs. I had a little Frankenstein under my right eye for a while,' he added. 

'He gave me some cream to put on it which I did religiously. Because of his fine work I don’t have a scar.

'I know some of you reading this have had cancer or have known someone in your life who has had cancer. Promise me you will see your doctor and get a complete check up.'