General Hospital
The Curious Case Of GH Guest Star and Fitness Guru Richard Simmons: His Rep Says He's Not Being Held Against His Will, But "Simply Taking A Break From Public Life"
Courtesy/ABC
Over the weekend after a report surfaced in the New York Daily News entiled, ‘The Haunted Twilight of Richard Simmons,” that cites sources both on and off-the-record, who claim General Hospital guest star and fitness instructor, Richard Simmons is being “held against his will” and is purposely being kept away from friends and family.”
Simmons representive Tom Estey has fired back and told USA Today, that those claims are “ludicrous,” and that Richard “does not want to be in the public eye right now.”
The NY Daily News feature also reported that Simmons stopped returning calls and emails more than two years ago to his friends, and that his behavior seemed unusual. Estey also denied this report and said Simmons ‘mental health is just fine”.
Estey also shared that the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” fitness favorite is “working behind the scenes to continue to help those millions of people worldwide in need of his assistance and on several projects to be announced soon.”
Mauro Oliveira, Simmons’ former assistant, told the NY Daily News that during his last visit to Simmons’ mansion, the trainer told him they could no longer see each other. Oliveira also claimed that Simmons told him his longtime live-in housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, is now controlling his life.
In 2014, Simmons shut down reports of a depression following a serious knee injury with a statement via his facebook page: ” I am so touched by the outpouring of love and concern I have received today. I have had a tough time dealing with this injury, as it is keeping me from doing what I truly love to do and that is to teach classes around the world.”
GH fans last saw Simmons as part of the series 50th anniversary Nurses’ Ball storyline in 2013. In it, Richard taunted Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) and was eventually carried out of the ball in a hilarious moment. Richard’s first go round in Port Charles was his recurring role as himself in episodes from 1979-1983.
Even this weekend, Simmons official facebook page has had numerous updates including a post that says: “The only limits you have are the ones you give yourself. Smash through them!”
So, what do you think of the report from the New York Daily News? Is Richard being a recluse, or just taking a break from public life? Are people he knows trying to smear his name? GH fans have always loved Richard’s returns to Port Charles for its nostalgia and quirky fun. Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Jonathan Bennett Receives 3 ‘Critics Choice Real TV Awards’ Nominations for Hallmark Series, ‘Finding Mr. Christmas’
Many things are coming up roses for Jonathan Bennett! On the heels of the news that he is set to debut this month in the role of Joe Fitzpatrick on General Hospital, who is rumored to be a new love interest for Lucas Jones (Van Hansis), comes the news that Bennett’s reality series, Finding Mr. Christmas has received 3 nomination for the Critics Choice Real TV Awards.
Bennett’s Hallmark Channel series finds itself in tough competition alongside fellow nominees: RuPaul’s Drag Race (MTV), Squid Game: The Challenge (Netflix), Survivor 50 (CBS), Top Chef (Bravo) and The Traitors (Peacock). In addition, Jonathan himself is nominated for Best Show Host and the series participants as the Best Ensemble Cast in an Unscripted Series.
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) revealed the nominees for the eighth annual Critics Choice Real TV Awards on Thursday, which recognize excellence in nonfiction, unscripted and reality programming across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Winners will be announced online at CriticsChoice.com on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at 9:00am PT/12:00pm ET.
Photo: Hallmark
Taking to his Instagram to celebrate the nominations, GH’s Bennett, enthused, “3 Critic Choice Nominations! I’m so proud of the FINDING MR CHRISTMAS and to be in the company of all the legends in all these categories is so surreal! Congrats to Hallmark Channel and to our nominated cast and nominated show and everyone who made this magical show possible. This is crazy! This gives FMC 6 Critics Choice nominations in 2 years. Not bad for a little show on Hallmark Channel. What are your thoughts on our show?” Jumping first into the comment thread was one of his new GH co-stars, Dominic Zamprogna (Dante) who expressed, “Yeah buddy!!!🔥🔥”
In the series, Bennett, the host and co-creator spends eight weeks guiding 10 aspiring actors through a series of “festive face-offs” and acting challenges alongside actors like soap opera notables, Hunter King (ex-Summer, Y&R) and Alison Sweeney (Sami, DAYS). Along the way, they develop their skills and a bond with one another. The show, which is available on Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Plus, highlights LGBTQ+ representation with openly gay contestants vying to be the next Hallmark star.
It should be noted that Traitors received the most Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations with 6 nods, followed by Dancing with the Stars with 4.
Bennett is very familiar to daytime fans having started his career as JR Chandler on All My Children in 2000-2001, before landing the part of Aaron Samuels in the motion picture, Mean Girls in 2004 starring Lindsay Lohan, which would become his breakout performance.
You can check out the full list of Critics Choice Real TV Award nominations here.
So, excited for Jonathan Bennett’s General Hospital debut this month? Have you ever watched Finding Mr. Christmas on Hallmark? Let us know via the comment section below.
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General Hospital
‘General Hospital’s’ Kelly Thiebaud on Britt and Cassius Sibling Drama, But Who Will Ultimately Blow His Cover?
On the April 30 episode of General Hospital, Britt (Kelly Thiebaud) had some choice words and warning for her brother Cassius Faison (Ryan Paevey) who has been masquerading as his twin, the very dead, Nathan West.
As the story has unfolded, viewers learned that Britt knew all along that when “Nathan” showed up in Port Charles seemingly resurrected with a missing 7 years of his life unexplained, that Cassius was taking his place.
Now in developments on today’s GH, Josslyn Jacks (Eden McCoy) is figuring out that this guy pretending to be Nathan is someone else, and Cassius learns from Britt, that Joss is not just a ditzy sorority girl as he claimed, but a WSB agent! The moment stuns Cassius. Are the walls about to close in on him and his charade?
Courtesy/ABC
Daytime Emmy winner, Kelly Thiebaud spoke to Soap Opera Digest, about the story point and getting the opportunity this time back at GH to work with Ryan Paevey, when she hadn’t had the chance to before.
BROTHERLY LOVE?
Thiebaud expressed on sharing scenes with Ryan Paevey, “It’s just been so wonderful to have him back and to actually work with him! When he first came onto the show (as Nathan at the end of 2013) I was kind of heading out — it was right towards the end of my contract, so we didn’t actually work together a ton. It’s been really refreshing and so much fun to really spend time together and get to know each other and work together. I think we have really great on-camera chemistry and banter with each other. I really enjoy working with him.”
With the stakes at an all-time, Thiebaud explained how she views her on-screen alter-ego’s involvement with her more hot-to-temper sibling and why Britt revealed the truth about Josslyn to him. “People finding out about Cassius would expose what she’s involved in and what she agreed to do,” explains Kelly “And now Josslyn is digging around, and she’s connected to Carly (Laura Wright) to Jason (Steve Burton) and that whole dynamic! It’s messy!”
BRITT’S MURKY FUTURE
Britt has currently also reached her breaking point with Jason being carted away by the WSB, Rocco (Finn Carr), the child she gave birth to, shooting Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) to protect her and Jason, Marco (Adrian Anchondo) being killed after trying to help her, and Cullum holding over her head getting her Huntington’s disease medication to control her symptoms, while blackmailing her into finishing the research on her father, Cesar Faison’s, final project. Thiebaud summed it up best for Britt right now, sharing, “It’s been a really tough time for her.”
So, who do you think will be the person to blow Cassius’ cover? Will it be Britt herself? Josslyn? Liesl? Brennan? Nina? Lulu? Rocco, Maxie, Cullum or someone else? Let us know your pick in the comment section.
General Hospital
GENERAL HOSPITAL: Michael Reveals His Plan to Set Up Chase and Willow to Have an Affair
After the Wednesday, April 29 episode of General Hospital, it’s clear outside interference and other circumstances are set to blow Chase (Josh Swickard) and Brook Lynn’s (Amanda Setton) marriage sky high, as Michael (Rory Gibson) reveals his plans to entrap Willow (Katelyn MacMullen) and use her relationship with Chase to do it!
In story, Michael dropped by unexpectedly to Carly’s (Laura Wright). A plotting Michael reveals his plan to nudge Willow and Chase into having an affair. Michael hopes it would create both a political and personal scandal, where Willow would lose her seat in congress. In the scenario, she would be having an affair with her ex-husband, while taking care of her supposed disabled husband, Drew (Cameron Mathison), who cannot speak and is confined to a wheelchair, which in turn will look horrible for Willow’s character.
Carly asked does he really want to destroy his cousin, Brook Lynn’s life in the process? Michael goes in on Chase’s holier than thou attitude, and says he is going to set-up the circumstances that would lead Chase and Willow to betray their spouses, and hit the sheets together. Michael swears to Carly what the two of them do is up to them, but he’s going to go on the offense with this.
MICHAEL HAS BACK-UP
Later, Jacinda (Paige Herschell) is talking with Charlotte (Bluesy Burke) at Crimson and how much she dislikes Willow because of what she has done to Michael. Just then, Michael shows up and tells Jacinda privately, he’s figured out a way to fight Willow. Looks like Jacinda might work with Michael to bring down Willow and use Chase as the person to do it!
At the hospital, Lucas (Van Hansis) tells Josslyn (Eden McCoy) that Carly is cheating on Jack, but he doesn’t know with who. Josslyn suddenly flashes back to the moment she found her mother harboring a fugitive, Valentin Cassadine (James Patrick Stuart), in her attic, and as figured out that her mother is sleeping with him. She heads out.
Courtesy/ABC
BRENNAN IS ABOUT TO LEARN ABOUT CARLY
Next thing you know, Josslyn has showed up inside Jack’s (Chris McKenna) hotel room at the Metro Court and when he enters his room, he is shocked to find her there. He lays into her for not keeping his distance and that Cullum (Andrew Hawkes) will have no problem killing her if he knows she’s WSB. Josslyn fires back that he is only concerned about that because his relationship with her mother depends on her being safe. But then, she lays the boom, and tells Jack, Well, you’re too late. You already lost her.”
LULU GETS A GLIMPSE OF CASSIUS’ TEMPER
In addition, Lulu (Alexa Havins) sees a different side of “Nathan.” Since she is unaware that the man before her is his twin, Cassius Fasion (Ryan Paevey), he tells her that Rocco (Finn Carr) blabbed that he shot Cullum to Britt (Kelly Thiebaud), and now he thinks they should send him away to stop him from talking to everyone else. This concerns Lulu, who rails at Nathan for telling her what to do with her son and that she isn’t going to abandon him. With “Nathan’s” outburst at her on the matter, will she finally get a clue this is not the man she thinks it is?
So, what do you think of Michael’s plan to push Willow and Chase into an affair? Will it work or backfire? Do you think Joss will reveal that Valentin is the man sleeping with Carly to Brennan, which will send him in a rage? Will Lulu continue to be clueless about “Nathan?” Weigh-in via the comment section below. But first, take a look at the GH video tease for today’s April 30 episode.
‘Brilliant Minds’ Officially Canceled After 2 Seasons at NBC; DAYS Alum Al Calderon, OLTL Alum Teddy Sears and Zachary Quinto Among the Cast
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recluse
Richard was so roundly rediculed during is last appearance on GH (during the Nurses’ Ball) that I guess the pain simply sent him into reclusion. His silence and absence from public view is certainly is very understandable. I feel much compassion for Richard who was a big part of GH in its heyday with his exercise classes deserves to be treated with much more respect. He has shared himself generously for many years. I say give him his time and let him choose whether or not he ever wants to come out and be cannabalized by the fickle public again. Rest, Richard; you’ver earned it. My prayers are with you.
Is that really him on facebook or someone else…i say recluse.
I believe every word printed in the New York Times. How could someone so media hungry suddenly just stop appearing with the meager excuse of “i just don’t want to be in the public eye right now”. That was 2 years ago. Something is up. Look at the history of other Hollywood “recluses”. There was something wrong. Mickey Rooney most recently. Howard Hughes. And a few others. It is not “normal” for this to be happening. Especially with someone who was so blatantly public. His closest friends are not just saying it for no reason. I can think of another recluse who ended up dying in a mysterious fashion and that was Doris Duke. I think that any one who knows Mr Simmons closely and personally should give up until they see him alone and are able to investigate his ability to care for himself without the presence of his brother, house staff and agents who only want to keep the peace. I pray for this man. He is not a favorite of mine by any stretch BUT he does not deserve to be held back and treated in this manner. If they have nothing to hide, then let his friends come by and see him without his “staff” present.
Brian Wilson was controlled by his psychiatrist for years! I hope Richard is of sound mind. He might just be burnt out and tired of the circus! I wish him well and hope that he returns to GH! Is there a NB for 2016?
I laud this man… for his steadfast be
at times i thought it was a circus…as he was poked prodded and made light
because he was so far ahead of his time?
was he gay
was he asexual
was he that endearing
he’s Richard Simmons
created in his own image
his own image
imagination run amok
imagination wild
imagination steered
did that leg injury PARK
he simply Parked his life on his own
I hope this
Richard Simmons reigned
He is an unselfish man in a VERY selfish business!
Really odd. Just read about this in the news yesterday and it doesn’t fit the Richard persona we have all grown to expect. Time will tell I guess, but I hope he’s alright.
Just head an exclusive interview on the Today Show with Richard. He’s jus saying he wanted to take time out for himself, he was tired of the travel, has been taking walks, etc. but when he’s ready he’ll come back stronger.
Isn’t taking a break from public life the same thing as being reclusive, therefore making on a recluse?
There’s nothing from with being a recluse. I tend to be one from time to time.
hi..
Being a ”reclusive” is no outside contact..
I doubt he would be tweeting and facebooking, if a reclusive..
hmm ok.. someone else could be tweeting and facebooking as Richard, a reclusive would not put himself out to the public in any way..
Hey, su,
You’re lucky you don’t have to work at staying lean. Neither do I, as some of us are naturally slim, albeit I never had a big appetite.
However, the point of a work-out is to maintain a healthy body through exercise….you know, a toned body, cardio and all that is necessary to stay fit.
I remember Richard Simmons as a little girl. My Au Pair/Nanny had these videos of Richard and his ‘dancers’…..I would dance along with her. So, I remember him well.
I had no idea he periodically appeared on GH until I saw him at at the Nurses’ Ball with Lucy.
He made an announcement on air, the other day, saying he was fine and needed rest.
I’m hoping he just needs a break. The guy has been in front of the world for probably 40 years now! Other than mind control [Helena] the ONLY other thing that may have happened is that he gained a lot of weight?
Hey, Timmm,
Would it be possible for Richard to avoid the public eye because he has gained weight? I believe the reason he became a health nut was because of his heavy stature, and, therefore was obsessed with maintaining a healthy, fit body.
Perhaps he was bed-ridden after his injury and gained his weight back. …..Too embarrassed to face people? He shouldn’t be. Poor guy. He probably feels he let his fans down? Only speculation, Timmm.
So much emphasis is put on weight and looks in our society, I am glad about all the hoopla in changing the ‘image’ of what someone is supposed to look like. Look at the new models gracing the cover of magazines, lately. Good for them.
I like Richard, but, I had not even given not seeing him a second thought….well, I assumed he had retired.
My apologies for this post which did not make sense.I meant to way there is nothing wrong with being a recluse. And I wrote “on” when I meant to write one.
IN any case, hope Richard is doing okay. Let us give him the space he needs.
Yes, I agree.
absolutely
I nest in my own home… for me
I can’t take on celebrity … that’s a whole ‘nother arena that’s outside my scope
spotlight… camera action… woah! I like my mind
I laud Richard Simmons… because he walked the walk…
even I don’t know that he’s like me… gay
I thought… at times.. this reflects
I grew and love keeping myself company
I love my husband Eileen Davidson !
I respect you Richard
rest take care and celebrate
I know very little about the man,, saw him in GH, once and dont recall where else..
He is a dancing exercise guy, yes..
I have never been overweight I maintain a lean weight so never had need for weight loss and am not familiar with all that Richard does.. He appeared to be vibrant.
Whatever his personal status is, I hope he never returns to GH.
Knock that off who knows what is really happening,,, he may be a bit annoying but he’s always a hoot on GH
I feel the same about Sabrrrrina!
Awwww! Why? He seems like such a nice perdon.
I hope Richard is OK, rumor is he gained lots of weight. If that is true, he is very depressed and won’t go out in public. If he does TMZ will get info and pictures of Richard. I enjoyed Richard on GH, with Lucy. They were funny.
In my mind he will always be the guy teaching “exercise class” at the Campus Disco where Luke and Laura worked. I was only 6 years old at the time but I remember those scenes well. I hope he is ok.
The man who normally has an outgoing,energetic personality sufferers a debilitating knee injury that prevents him from doing what he loves most.
Hmm…..one could naturally assume that would have an effect on him,and he may very well be taking a break from the public eye.
That being said – if he is in a diminished capacity ,say because he suffered a stroke or something I would do more investigating as there are unscrupulous people out there that will take advantage of the vulnerable.
I just heard… some one… character… herald.. they are not going to get toxic
let toxicity become them
fight the good fight…
is Richard simmons strong enough… I certainly do think… his mindset .. for all the endeavor and cause celeb he’s mined
is that fragile…
debilitating is an altogether another outset
My best to this man
something not right, where is his family.
I agree luisa..if I said I was being held hostage my posse would be a gang of nieces and nephews with my brother leading the brigade. .no wilting tulips here lol
I hope he is okay and just wants some Richard time! I love the guy. He has helped so many people with their lives. His appearances on Howard Stern are legendary! I wish he would come back on GH as a rehab specialist and not as himself. He can get Kiki to walk again. OMG, him and Roger Howarth in the same scenes together would be priceless!
I love Richard Simmons. He is a kind and caring man who has helped millions of people over the years lose weight and get back into healthy living. I loved him in General Hospital and would love to see him come back. I think after he hurt his knee he couldn’t do the things he use to do and just wanted time away from the public but for someone who spent most of his life telling people to get going on exercise and don’t let anything stand in your way, he needs to practice what he preaches and come out in public if for no other reason than to show his fans who are worried about him he’s ok.
he catapulted a whole ‘nother mindset to the forefront
a be all you can be
infectious for some… a ray of care… woah I don’t give a damn either… let’s go
he moved
I hope he is ok and knows that people are sending positive thoughts his way. He was a colorful personality that brought a lot of positivity into other peoples lives.
Respect and admire Richard. Hoping he is OK.
Well, this is from the New York Daily News, which certainly has a reputation for exaggeration, sensationalization, and building something out of nothing. Let’s hope that’s the case here.
That said, we’ve certainly heard of enough cases like this—with the wrong people alienating some rich/famous individual from everyone so as to control the bank accounts–to warrant concern. I do hope that he’s all right and nothing’s amiss.
richard was interviewed on the today show by phone today – i still believe he is being held against his will…………….something just doesn’t feel right……….
the richard simmons we all know & love would not go into some sort of hiding – he would have at least did a farewell tour around the country or gave his fans a heads up………….
if everything is okay he needs to make an appearance not a phone call………….jmo
naww the guy is fine he is being eccentric ..
most likely– when people of fame lose their celebrity appearance, bodies that made them a celebrity, they give up and hide..
I agree elm1951 – if everything was ok, he would be interviewed in person. Very fishy. It reminds me of the weird stuff that happened with Brittany Murphy’s death.
Oh, my gosh, Abruzzfan. I remember the Brittany Murphy’s tragedy. That story did have a suspicious ring to it; compounded with the fact that her husband died in the same manner?….not too long after her.
I wouldn’t take anything from New York Daily News seriously. They seem worse than The National Enquirer.