He exploded onto the scene from the ’60s onward before disappearing into obscurity. Just after his comeback and on the eve of his return to the spotlight and his tragic passing, Richard Simmons reportedly felt utterly heartbroken, inadequate, and inundated with fear of humiliation.

Fitness icon Simmons disappeared from the public eye in 2014. Part of his retreat stemmed from a follow-up knee surgery he was reluctant to pursue. However, that whole time, he quietly stayed connected to his fanbase, saying, “We answer 100 emails daily.” His anticipated comeback, however, was a source of great stress before Simmons passed away on July 13 at the age of 76.

Richard Simmons allegedly experienced heartbreak and worry concerning his big comeback just before he died

Not seeing what everyone else saw

The late TV personality got his start when he opened his gym Slimmons in Beverly Hills, California. There were plenty of gyms opened or opening around that time, but Simmons had a completely revolutionary approach: while all other fitness centers catered to the healthy who were already at their weight and strength goals, Simmons was there for those who needed to get there still, thus filling a completely underserved demographic.

He also mastered advertising and marketing, developing a line of consumer products while also becoming a presence on TV. Simmons appeared on the likes of The Late Show with David Letterman and The Howard Stern Show.