Richard Simmons is a busy man, even on his birthday! The fitness guru turned 76 on Friday, but that’s no excuse for a leisure day. His representative, Tom Estey, shared with ET that Simmons is spending his birthday working diligently on his new Broadway musical. Adding to the excitement, Estey revealed that Simmons has teamed up with Patrick Leonard, a renowned composer who has collaborated with icons like Madonna, Elton John, Leonard Cohen, and Jon Bon Jovi, to create the music for the project.
Simmons also took to Facebook to share a nostalgic throwback photo of himself celebrating his first birthday. In his post, he reminisced about birthday cakes, making birthday cards in grade school, and the gifts he and his brother, Lenny, would receive on their special days. “Lenny and I always received clothes for our birthday. As I became successful, I bought my father cotton handkerchiefs with an S monogram as well as a cologne made with Patchouli,” he wrote. “I bought my mom a fragrance by Germaine Monteil called Royal Secret. She preferred the bath oil to put on her neck because it lasted longer. When that fragrance was discontinued, she became an Oscar De La Renta lady. Also, each month I sent them a check so they could buy anything they wanted.”
He concluded his heartfelt message by expressing gratitude for the birthday wishes he received. “So many of you have sent me birthday wishes on my Facebook and other platforms,” he wrote. “I really appreciate that. I don’t know when your birthday is, but I wish you a happy and healthy birthday!”
Simmons’ birthday and the update on his musical come just two months after Pauly Shore announced that he is moving forward with his Simmons biopic “whether [Simmons] likes it or not.” Shore made this declaration during his Netflix Is a Joke comedy show in Los Angeles, as first reported by Variety. “I’m also gonna be starring in the Richard Simmons biopic … whether he likes it or not,” Shore said, according to the outlet. “Just another f***ing bump in my f***ing road.”
ET had previously reported that the project did not have the support of Simmons himself. However, that didn’t stop Shore from releasing photos and a teaser trailer, depicting him as Simmons in The Court Jester. Simmons’ representative later told ET, “Richard and I are not endorsing this project. It is unauthorized. I spoke to Pauly last year and told him [Richard] is not ready to tell his story.”
Despite the unauthorized biopic, Simmons remains focused on his musical project, which promises to be a significant addition to his illustrious career. Known for his energetic personality and dedication to fitness, Simmons has always been a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. His new venture into Broadway musicals showcases his versatility and passion for the arts.
As Simmons celebrates his 76th birthday, his fans continue to support and admire him for his contributions to fitness and entertainment. His ability to inspire and motivate people through his work is a testament to his enduring legacy. The collaboration with Patrick Leonard is particularly exciting, as Leonard’s impressive track record in the music industry suggests that the musical will be a high-quality production.
Simmons’ journey from a fitness guru to a Broadway musical creator is a remarkable one. His dedication to his craft and his willingness to explore new avenues demonstrate his commitment to personal growth and artistic expression. As he embarks on this new chapter, his fans eagerly await the debut of his musical, confident that it will be a reflection of his unique talent and creativity.
In the meantime, Simmons’ birthday serves as a reminder of the impact he has had on countless lives. His positive energy and unwavering dedication to helping others achieve their fitness goals have made him a beloved figure for decades. As he continues to work on his musical, his fans can look forward to more inspiring moments from this iconic personality.
Richard Simmons’ 76th birthday is not just a celebration of his life but also a celebration of his ongoing contributions to the world of entertainment. His new musical project, in collaboration with Patrick Leonard, is a testament to his enduring passion and creativity. As he continues to inspire and entertain, his fans remain loyal and supportive, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in his remarkable journey.
Source: ET, Variety
