After Claiming He’s ‘Dying,’ Fitness Guru Richard Simmons Apologizes For Alarming Fans Over Common Skin Cancer Diagnosis

On Tuesday morning, renowned fitness personality Richard Simmons opened up about his experience with skin cancer and detailed the emotional journey from diagnosis to treatment.

Simmons, who had previously alarmed fans with a post that said he was dying, revealed that he noticed a persistent blemish beneath his eye and decided to consult a dermatologist.

After a microscopic examination of the affected cells, the doctor informed Simmons that he had basal cell carcinoma, a common form of skin cancer associated with sun exposure.

Simmons, initially taken aback by the diagnosis, shared his lighthearted response to the doctor’s use of the “C word” to turn the point into a brief moment of laughter amidst the seriousness.

Basal cell carcinoma typically requires the removal of cancerous cells, and Simmons sought the expertise of Dr. Ralph A. Massey, a specialist in cancer treatment. Simmons said, “There was no numbing, it just had to be done with a small instrument… As he started burning my skin a tear dropped down my cheek. You can’t cry during this and he wiped my tear.”

Although the initial procedure lasted approximately 30 minutes, Simmons learned that a follow-up visit was necessary to eliminate any remaining cells. He described the second procedure as more intense and painful and emphasized the importance of thorough treatment. In a subsequent update, Simmons shared that the issue had been resolved after a third procedure and expressed relief that he did not have a visible scar as a result.

Simmons acknowledged that his encounter with cancer paled in comparison to the stories of his friends and others who have faced the disease. He encouraged readers who experienced or witnessed cancer to prioritize regular check-ups and stressed the significance of early detection and treatment.

Simmons’ skin cancer reveal came just a day after he told fans he “had some news” that he was dying. At the time, he wrote, “Oh I can see your faces now. The truth is we all are dying,” and added, “Every day we live we are getting closer to our death.”

The fitness guru recognized the confusion his initial post caused. He promptly apologized to his fans and clarified that he had intended to emphasize the importance of appreciating each day rather than to alarm or distress them.

Simmons was recently in the news when he blasted a new unauthorized biopic about his life.