Richard Simmons' Net Worth In 2024 and Who'll Inherit His Fitness Empire

When Richard Simmons died Saturday, June 13, 2024, he left behind a massive net worth that had allowed him to live out his final days without sweating a trip to the bank.

The beloved fitness personality had left public life a decade ago but made headlines in January 2024 when it was announced that Pauly Shore would play him in a biopic—and that made the normally outwardly cheerful and sweet Simmons slightly salty.

"Hi Everybody! 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."

Shore, who already stars as Simmons in a short called The Court Jester, told Variety of the full-length project, "I'm really excited about sharing Richard Simmons's life with the world. We all need this biopic now more than ever. Simmons represented mental health, getting people in shape and being his authentic silly self! Whenever he was on TV you could never take your eyes off of him and he brought such a joy to his appearances that represented nothing but a good time."

Shore's biopic was still in the development stage when Simmons died. No word yet on what that'll mean about the project's future. In the meantime, look back at Richard Simmons' net worth and how the ever-earnest star earned it.

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How did Richard Simmons become famous?

Milton Teagle "Richard" Simmons was born on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans. He's joked that "lard was a food group and dessert was mandatory" for him growing up, and when he graduated high school, he weighed 268 pounds. Through moderation in his diet and exercising, he lost weight and set out to spread the joy of his healthy lifestyle to others.

Simmons moved to Los Angeles in 1973 and consulted with doctors, nutritionists and other professionals to create an exercise studio that was welcoming to all bodies, shapes, ages and fitness levels. His fitness studio opened in 1974, and he taught there until 2013 and kept it open until 2016.

The success and popularity of his fitness studio led Simmons to launch his own workout videos and audio tapes (65 in total), most famously Sweatin' to the Oldies. He became ubiquitous in pop culture, even starring in General Hospital for four seasons.

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What is Richard Simmons' net worth in 2024?

Richard Simmons' net worth in 2024 is estimated to be in the $15 million to $30 million range, according to E! News. This encompasses not just his liquid financial assets, but also his entire fitness empire.

He's sold an estimated 20 million workout tapes, cassettes and DVDs overall, with Sweatin' to the Oldies alone grossing $200 million since its 1988 release, The New York Post reported. He wrote 12 books, three of which were New York Times bestsellers. He had his own talk show, aptly named The Richard Simmons Show, for four years, and a radio show for several years, in addition to popping up elsewhere in pop culture through film and TV cameos. The man even had his own weight loss cruise, dubbed Cruise to Lose!

Simmons also reportedly sold 160 million Deal-a-Meal diet plans and kept his Beverly Hills workout studio from 1974 to 2016. He also had a merchandising deal with Prominent Brand + Talent that experts estimate likely made at least $5 million to $10 million alone.

Who will inherit Richard Simmons fitness empire?

We don't yet know who will inherit Richard Simmons fitness empire. Simmons was never married and had one brother, Leonard "Lenny" Simmons Jr., who he fondly mentioned in social media posts over the years. He's the likely beneficiary of Simmons' empire until the fitness guru made other arrangements. Only time will tell.

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How many pounds did Richard Simmons lose?

Simmons reportedly lost over 100 pounds from his highest weight.

What ever happened to Richard Simmons?

Simmons battled an eating disorder before becoming famous, and his insecurities continued after he became a household name. He reportedly suffered pain from three hair transplants he got after his anorexia caused hair loss, and often worried that he'd be made fun of by other celebrities, including the late Suzanne Somers.

He retreated from the public eye in 2014, reportedly after undergoing knee surgery for a condition he'd suffered from since birth that impacted the bones in his legs. His rep told The New York Post in 2022, "Richard is eternally grateful for the continuous outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from across the globe. He is happy, healthy and living the life he has chosen to live."

On March 18, 2024, Simmons alarmed fans and followers with a Facebook post that was likely well-intentioned.

"I have some news to tell you. Please don't be sad. I am ….dying," he wrote. "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."

He added, "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."

He then gave some general (and good!) health advice about eating and exercise, then concluded with a heartfelt missive.

"There is something else very important that you must do. Tell the ones that you love that you love them," Simmons mused. "Hug those people and children who you really care for. A big hug really goes a long way."

He ended with a music recommendation: "If you have time I want you to listen to a terrific song. It is by Tim McGraw," he wrote. "It is called 'Live Like You Were Dying.' Live today and don’t forget to pray."

Following an outpouring of concern, Simmons clarified his statement with a message on X.

“Sorry many of you have gotten upset about my message today. Even the press has gotten in touch with me. I am not dying,” he said. “It was a message about saying how we should embrace every day that we have. Sorry for this confusion. Love, Richard.”

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When did Richard Simmons die?

Born July 12, 1948, Simmons was 76 years old when he died on July 13, 2024. On his 75th birthday, Simmons' rep said that the fitness icon was doing well and was happy. On his 76th birthday, he thanked fans for birthday wishes on X, formerly Twitter.

“Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday,” Simmons wrote.

Did Richard Simmons have knee surgery?

According to TMZ, Simmons underwent a right knee replacement surgery in 2010, but that the pain was so severe, he didn't want to undergo another replacement for his left leg. As a result, he reportedly became depressed and reclusive, not wanting the public to see him in that state.

After the 2014 report of his knee surgery rumors published, Simmons released a statement on Facebook (via TMZ), writing, "I am so touched by the outpouring of love and concern I have received today. I have had a tough time dealing with this injury, as it is keeping me from doing what I truly love to do, which is teaching classes around the world. Make sure you keep Sweatin'!"

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What year did Richard Simmons disappear?

Simmons withdrew from the public eye in 2014.

Why was Richard Simmons hospitalized?

Simmons was hospitalized in 2017. His rep told Entertainment Tonight at the time, "Richard Simmons was hospitalized on Monday at an undisclosed location in California. After a few days of battling severe indigestion and discomfort while eating, we agreed it was best for him to seek treatment."

Was Richard Simmons on Dancing with the Stars?

Simmons was never a contestant on Dancing With the Stars, but he did appear on the competition series in 2011 to help coach Chaz Bono.

When was Richard Simmons popular?

Simmons was at his most popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, but remains an absolutely beloved, adorable and wholesome figure today—even as he retreats from public life.

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