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 Preview: Serena Sets Her Sights on Michael; Jason’s Emotional Exit from the Mob
This week on all-new episodes of General Hospital, new and old motivations come into play with dangerous consequences. According to the just released GH video spoilers video for the week of August 3-7, a bailiff calls out, “All rise!”
Now it’s Isaiah (Sawandi Wilson) vs. Curtis (Donnell Turner), as the surgeon is suing the owner of the Savoy for assault that ruined is ability to operate. At the end of the day, which of these men has enough evidence against the other? Portia (Brook Kerr) is by Isaiah’s side, while Jordan (Tanisha Harper) is with Curtis.
Next, Lucy (Lynn Herring) has a plan to get the controlling shares of Deception away from Michael (Rory Gibson). She wants her daughter, Serena (Kelly Kruger) to seduce Michael. She tells her, “Pick out your most seductive suit.” Soon, we see Serena in her bathing suit at the Metro Court face to face with Michael.
Later, there is a small baggie containing three blue pills. Nina (Cynthia Watros) ask Willow (Katelyn MacMullen), “What did you do?” We also see Michael asking the same thing of Jacinda (Paige Herschell). Leading into this week, viewers know that Willow doesn’t want the former escort anywhere near her children, Amelia and Wiley. Is this how she stops her, or is Jacinda up to old tricks and wants to frame Willow? Remember when Jacindsa drugged Drew (Cameron Mathison)? Stay tuned.
Finally, in the pick-up from last Friday’s cliffhanger, an emotional Jason (Steve Burton) continues to tell Sonny (Maurice Benard) that he cannot work for him anymore. Sonny ask, “So that’s it? You’re Out?” We fade to black.
Take a look at the official GH spoilers for the week below.
MONDAY, AUGUST 3
Jason makes a sacrifice for Danny. Elizabeth becomes privy to a secret. Carly is touched. Valentin has a warning for Nina. Josslyn cautions Brennan.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 4
Brook Lynn and Chase celebrate a milestone. Trina gets an earful. Carly’s plan backfires. Curtis is skeptical. Michael is anxious about his family’s’ future.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 5
Sonny wants answers. Ava is struck with inspiration. Curtis’ trial begins. Brook Lynn wrestles with a big decision. Lucy and Serena scheme.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 6
Sonny makes a stunning announcement. Serena makes her move. Willow faces a new threat. Isaiah takes the stand. Lucy questions Laura.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 7
Josslyn is taken aback. Ava courts a new ally. Jordan and Anna catch up. Isaiah vents to Lucas and Elizabeth. Michael questions Jacinda.
Check out the latest ABC promo for General Hospital entitled, “What Did You Do?” below.
Now weigh-in: Do you think GH is about to pair Serena with Michael? Is it curtains for Jacinda? Can anyone stop Willow once and for all, or make her pay for her crimes? What will Jason do without Sonny and the mob? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.
General Hospital Fan Club Weekend brought out many of your favorites to the four day event; with the main cast gathering on Saturday, August 1. Fans near and far attended the weekend held this year at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. Whether it be the main cast event or the smaller more intimate events featuring two or three cast members a great time was had by all.
Some of the cast participating in the main cast event included: Cyrus Hobbi (Yuri), Gary James Fuller (James), Bradford Anderson (Spinelli), Viron Weaver (Wiley), Paige Herschell (Jacinda), Chris McKenna (Brennan), Josh Kelly (Cody), Kayden Brenna Tokarsi (Scout), Cassandra James (Terry), Laura Wright (Carly), Dominic Zamprogna (Dante), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane), Rick Hearst (Ric), Adrian Anchondo (ex-Marco), and Chloe Lanier (ex-Nelle).
In addition to, Van Hansis (Lucas), Cameron Mathison (Drew), Ryan Paevey (ex-Cassius), Easton Rocket Sweda (Leo), Maurice Benard (Sonny), Kristen Vaganos (Molly), Nancy Lee Grahn (Alexis), Kate Mansi (ex-Kristina), Rebecca Herbst (Elizabeth), Cynthia Watros (Nina), Kristina Wagner (Felicia) and more.
Take a look at some of the snaps from the main event arrivals below:
Photo: HutchinsPhoroi
GH’s Rick Hearst with on-screen daughter, Kristen Vaganos, plus Nancy Lee Grahn, and Kate Mansi.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Maurice Benard on-hand to meet the fans.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto.com
Jack Brennan in the house … Chris McKenna.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Adrian Anchondo, Van Hansis and Anchondo’s boyfriend, Days of Our Lives, Colton Little.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
GH’s Josh Kelly and his gal, the former Nelle Benson of Port Charles, Chloe Lanier.
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
Who is James’ father? Not Cassius or Spinelli, actually. Actors Gary James Fuller, Ryan Paevey and Bradford Anderson!
Photo: HutchinsPhoto
One of General Hospital’s newest cast members, Kayden Brenna Tokarski attends her first GHFCW event.
Check out some more arrival images featuring: Laura Wright (Carly), Cassandra James (Terry), Carolyn Hennesy (Diane) and more in the gallery below.
Michael Fairman TV will be adding more images to this post in the day ahead.
So, were you glad to see so many of your GH favorites attending this year’s General Hospital Fan Club Weekend? Let us know via the comment section.
General Hospital
Vincent Pastore of ‘Sopranos’ Fame and ‘General Hospital’s’ Maximus Giambetti Dies at 80
Vincent Pastore, best known for his memorable role as Salvatore “Big Pussy” Bonpensiero on HBO’s The Sopranos has passed away.
The veteran actor was found dead on August 1st in his home in the Bronx, New York. Pastore was 80-years-old. The cause of death is yet to be determined.
As well as his role on The Sopranos, many soap fans will recall he played multiple smaller roles on the beloved One Life to Live from 1995 and 2004. However, in 2008, he landed the short-term role as Maximus Giambetti on General Hospital.
PASTORE WANTED TO BE ON GENERAL HOSPITAL
Maximus was the mobster father of Sonny Corinthos’ (Maurice Benard) bodyguards: Max (Derk Cheetwood) and Milo (Drew Cheetwood)
According to Soap Opera Digest, Pastore told Soaps In Depth back in 2009, after appearing in a SOAPnet promotional campaign as a celebrity fan of General Hospital: “‘I’d love to be on the show. So they called up GH’s casting director (Mark Teschner) and Bobby (Robert Guza Jr. ex-head writer, GH) and they wrote me in!”
Pastore was a huge General Hospital fan from way back, who at one point told producers that he would watch the ABC soap opera while working in bars and nightclubs in the 70s and 80s.
Throughout his decades long career, Pastore appeared in films including: Goodfellas, Carlito’s Way and Men of Respect, The Jerky Boys: The Movie and the 1996 HBO TV movie Gotti.
In TV, besides The Sopranos, Pastore’s credits included: Law & Order, The Practice, Son of the Beach, Queens Supreme, Hawaii Five-0, Wu-Tang: An American Saga, plus the miniseries The Last Don II. Most recently, Vincent was a series regular on Gravesend and guest starred on Yellowjackets.
Pastore is survived by his daughter, Renee, son-in-law and granddaughter.
Share your remembrances and condolences for Vincent Pastore on his memorable role on ‘The Sopranos’ and his time on ‘General Hospital’ via the comment section below.
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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.