GENERAL HOSPITAL’s Richard Simmons Refutes Rumors He’s in Trouble

Richard Simmons, who has appeared as himself on GENERAL HOSPITAL, has spoken out to address recent reports that he’s been in hiding for years.

“I am not kidnapped,” the fitness guru told Entertainment Tonight. “I am just in my house right now. No one should be worried about me. The people that surround me are wonderful people who take great care of me.”

His declaration was in response to a recent piece by the New York Daily News that raised concerns about Simmons’ health and safety.

According to Simmons, he simply decided it was time to take a break from his exhausting schedule of traveling, teaching classes, and personal appearances. He made his most recent appearance on GH in March of 2013 for the return of the Nurses Ball, and last appeared in public just nine months later at a holiday concert.

“This is how I want to live my life right now,” Simmons said. “And to all the people that are worried about me, please don’t be. If I was in any trouble, if I was hurting in any way, I would reach out. It is time right now for Richard Simmons to take care of Richard Simmons.”

For more on the stars of GH, keep reading the ABC edition of Soaps In Depth magazine.