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May 27, 2012

Richard Simmons' Appearance on 'Dancing With the Stars' Sparks Health Worries

by Catherine Lawson, posted Oct 12th 2011 6:00AM

Richard Simmons, Chaz Bono, Lacey SchwimmerMonday night saw a surprise cameo from 'Sweatin' to the Oldies' star Richard Simmons on 'Dancing With the Stars' as he put contestant Chaz Bono through his paces for his 'Rocky'-inspired routine.

However, Simmons' noticeably slimmed-down frame, amply showcased by his gold mesh tank top and tiny shorts, sparked fears among many viewers that he may be unwell.

A rep for the fitness guru denied that he's got any health problems. Tom Estey told 'People' that Simmons is "the healthiest he's ever been."

Estey added, "He's actually at the weight he was when we launched the original Sweatin' to the Oldies. He is completely healthy, happy and fit as a fiddle."

Simmons has talked candidly in the past about his lifelong struggle to control his weight, and last year told 'The Dr. Oz Show' that he's managed to maintain his 100-lbs weight loss for over 40 years.

A formerly overweight child, Simmons is also a passionate supporter of the crusade against childhood obesity. He's been campaigning hard to get the Fit Kids Act passed, which advocates increasing physical education classes in the nation's schools.

In the 1970s Simmons founded his Slimmons exercise and dance studio in Beverly Hills, where he still teaches. Last night he posted in his trademark exuberant style on Facebook that "Just finished working out......... all biceps and triceps.........and in a little while I will go to Slimmons and teach!!!!!!!!!!! I can't wait to see who will be in my class!"

According to Estey, "He's happy. Everything with him could not be better."


Click here to find out if Chaz Bono made it through elimination last night.

'Dancing With the Stars' airs Mondays at 8PM ET and Tuesdays at 9PM ET on ABC.

'Dancing With the Stars' Season 13 Cast Photos

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89 Comments

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Luminary16

Chaz Bono makes my stomach hurt,
!Please keep your f@&?ing shirt on !

October 13 2011 at 8:28 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
thegrrrr8est

Whoa. If that's "the best health he's ever been in", he's in real trouble. No way he's healthy. Thin, yes. Healthy, no.

October 12 2011 at 4:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Bill

Apparently Cher has a lot of Fans that stupidly voted for her Freakish offspring! It's that or the count is rigged to keep that fat freak on the show for publicity because anyone with eyes can tell He/She looks like a Walrus plopping around and calling it dancing.

October 12 2011 at 1:59 PM Report abuse -2 rate up rate down Reply
NEAL

WOW :O

October 12 2011 at 1:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
peg

I am saddened by all the hate I've read here, just in the first 4 or 5 comments. I don't think that's what AOL editors had in mind when they offered people the opportunity to express opinions. Yes, I agree, the hate you're spewing is YOUR opinion, but it offers nothing constructive, it makes no philosophical statement of any substance. The ONLY thing you have accomplished is to illustrate your bigotry and ignorance. Shame on you for your lack of tolerance and respect for other people. You use the words " Hollywood Jew" like a curse. Disgusting.

October 12 2011 at 1:56 PM Report abuse +2 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to peg's comment
Ellie Reed

Its really saddness me to see that soooooooo many people are living a perfect life, and in a perfect body, WOW !!! How can I do that. Iam a queen size lady, WHO used to be 86 pounds, from a bout of anorexica.
I was at deaths door. We all have our crosses to carry, and the fact that Chaz, even made an attempt to dance, which was to help with his weight. I take my hat off to him. DON'T knock his gender, HE did what made him comfortable. We all need to live in what ever skin that makes us feel good. SOOOOO, All I can say is, STOP JUDGING OTHERS, Unless YOU have taken GODS PLACE....

April 28 2012 at 7:03 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Gammy

I don't care about his sexual preferences. He looks t-e-r-r-i-b-l-e. When I say him on DWTS, I screamed, "OMG"
He REALLY needs to quit wearing tanks tops and shorts. Also, what it is about his painted head and very little hair.

October 12 2011 at 1:50 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
judyinjersey

My goodness.....such hate!!!! I'm sure if the lives of many of those spewing their hate against Jews, gays and the transgendered were scrutinized, we would find a little of it all in their own family history.

October 12 2011 at 1:49 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
alancranford

Simmons is so happy (as noted in final sentence). Always knew he as a gay guy!

October 12 2011 at 1:45 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jabaileydc

Based on these posts, I see a lot of people neglected to take their medications this morning? I'm only wondering why they're so preoccupied with the sexual preference and gender of other people, when considering their comments, they have their own issues to deal with!

October 12 2011 at 1:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
casekniv

DWTS is a freak show and the dancers could hardly be considered stars. It uses freaky controversial people like coloredboys always dancing with white women, butt ugly women that make their boobs intentionally pop out, old stars from the 80's and obese lesbians trying to look like a man. Hollywood jews are promoting lezzies and gays heavily thru their media. rosie, ellen chaz and many more.

October 12 2011 at 1:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

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