Richard Simmons, the flamboyant fitness guru and talk show fixture, abruptly retreated from public life in 2014, sparking numerous conspiracy theories about his disappearance. However, a recent documentary aired on FOX, titled "TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons," claims to have uncovered the simple reason behind Simmons' retreat—the need for a left knee replacement. According to the documentary, doctors told Simmons in 2014 that he needed the surgery, but the prospect of becoming sedentary and being unable to exercise caused him to sink into a deep depression. To this day, Simmons has not undergone the corrective surgery and walks with a cane.

The documentary suggests that Simmons wanted to be remembered as a vibrant, healthy man and worried that his image would be recast as an old man if he underwent the surgery.

The special also reveals that Simmons has chosen to live in plain sight, comparing his elusive behavior to that of Greta Garbo, the Oscar-nominated star of the 1930s known for her fierce protection of her privacy. Simmons' friends and acquaintances describe him as having some insecurities and heartaches, including the passing of his beloved dogs over the years. Additionally, Suzanne Somers, a former co-star, recalled a time when Simmons didn't want to appear on a show with her because he feared she would make fun of him, revealing some of his internal struggles.

Simmons, now 74 years old, has not commented on the allegations made in the documentary. However, he recently expressed excitement about introducing a new generation of fans to his classic exercise series, "Sweatin' to the Oldies," which will be available for streaming on Fuse Sweat, a new streaming channel. The documentary, "TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons," is now available to stream for free on Tubi.

In conclusion, this article discusses the revelations made in the recent documentary about Richard Simmons' retreat from public life. Allegedly, Simmons' need for a left knee replacement led him to sink into a deep depression and fear that his image would be tarnished. The documentary also touches on Simmons' insecurities and heartaches, while noting his recent excitement about introducing his classic exercise series to a new generation of fans.