Fitness guru and comedian Richard Simmons has lived a long and impressive life, but you may not know about everything he’s accomplished. In addition to inspiring people for decades to lose weight, he’s done these things as well.

• Simmons was born as Milton Teagle Simmons in 1948 with a disfigured upper leg, asthma and without a full set of bones in his feet.

• By high school, Simmons weighed 300 pounds.

• However, he dropped 100 pounds and has kept it off for 40 years through diet and exercise. In 1974, he started a gym to help overweight people.

• He claims to have helped people lose more than 3 million pound since starting his weight loss programs.

• He appeared as himself in a recurring role on “General Hospital” after fans showed a positive response to his guest spot.

• Simmons has authored multiple books and produced more than 30 videos, including the well-known “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.”

Keep Reading

Panda Fest brings three days of Asian food, merchandise and performances to Atlantic Station this weekend. For kids, a panda inflatable awaits. (Courtesy of 360 Media)

Credit: Photo courtesy of 360 Media

Featured

A new Plane Train car is seen at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport Maintenance Facility in Atlanta on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com