Richard Simmons Spotlighted by Diane Sawyer in New ABC Documentary

ABC will spotlight the late Richard Simmons in a new special featuring journalist Diane Sawyer. The hour-long special, The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special, will air Tuesday, May 12 (9:00-9:59 p.m. EDT), on ABC and stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.

The special will trace Simmons' rise to fame and explore his cultural impact as an American superstar through the eyes of his close friends and family. After a decade of seclusion, Simmons began quietly planning a return to the public eye before his 2024 passing.

Reaching out directly to Diane Sawyer to share his story, he sent her dozens of flowers accompanied by a simple note: “I Trust You.” As preparations were underway for a long-awaited interview, the story took a bizarre turn with news of Simmons’ sudden and mysterious death.

Shortly after his death, his older brother extended an invitation to Sawyer and her team to enter Simmons' home and explore the world he had kept hidden for so long. Through intimate interviews with those closest to him, the special seeks to unravel the truth behind his disappearance and shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death, offering a look at the life, legacy and enduring intrigue of the American fitness personality.

“The Mystery of Richard Simmons: A Diane Sawyer Special” is produced by ABC News Studios. Mark Robertson and David Sloan are senior executive producers, and Tess Scott Davidson is executive producer.

With his signature energy and warmth, Simmons built one of the most enduring fitness empires in American culture, becoming a popular fixture on television and in the daily lives of millions for over three decades.

Simmons passed away on July 13, 2024. Prior to his death, he was working on a Broadway musical about his life with composer Patrick Leonard. The show was planned to be an interactive experience, featuring participation from audience members.

Photo Credit: Courtesy of ABC News Studios