It’s hard not to feel a little bittersweet when reflecting on the life of fitness icon Richard Simmons. Known for his infectious energy and love for sweat-inducing workouts, Richard truly left an indelible mark on the world. At his celebration of life memorial in New Orleans on October 5, his brother Leonard Simmons shared a heartfelt moment. “Just like Clark Kent, underneath his beautiful things that he was wearing, he’s got a tank top and shorts,” Leonard revealed with a smile. “We made sure he’s ready to help the saints and angels get into shape, just like he always did for us.”
But behind the joy Richard brought to millions, a storm is brewing over his estate. His brother Leonard and Richard’s longtime housekeeper, Teresa Reveles, are at odds. Teresa has taken legal action, filing a petition in court to be reinstated as a cotrustee of Richard’s estate. She claims that Leonard and his wife, Cathy, pressured her into stepping aside, leaving her out of decisions about Richard’s legacy. It’s a tug-of-war that leaves many wondering what Richard would have wanted.
Leonard, on the other hand, insists Teresa has already received a significant portion of Richard’s estate and shouldn’t be trusted to manage his legacy. “He would be heartbroken to learn of Teresa’s greed,” Leonard stated firmly. While Teresa was a constant presence in Richard’s life for over three decades, Leonard argues that she doesn’t share the same familial bond that he does.
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Richard cherished both Leonard, whom he fondly called “Baba” as a child, and Teresa, who was more than just a housekeeper—she was a confidante and, some say, his only true friend. An insider close to the situation revealed that Richard would be deeply upset by the feud. “Teresa was there for him through thick and thin,” the source explained. “But Leonard feels strongly that while Teresa deserves something from the will, she shouldn’t have control over how his legacy is handled.”
Leonard and Richard had their fair share of sibling disagreements, but they remained close. The day before Richard passed away, Leonard called to wish him a happy birthday—a gesture that highlights their bond. “They had their issues, but they were close,” the insider confirmed.
Leonard has accused Teresa of continuing to live in Richard’s home and even asking for financial compensation from the estate. “She’s staying in his house, even though she has her own place,” Leonard said. “And she’s trying to charge the estate for her living expenses.” Neither Leonard nor Teresa responded to requests for comment, leaving the details of their dispute shrouded in mystery.
Millions at Stake: Richard’s Legacy on the Line
Richard left behind an estate valued at roughly $20 million, but the conflict extends beyond finances. Before his untimely death, Richard was exploring opportunities to bring his story to the big screen. In one of his final posts on X, he shared his excitement: “Wow! I just got my fourth offer from studios who want to work with me on my biopic. I have so many ideas swimming in my head. I’m writing an outline now.”
Leonard accuses Teresa of attempting to hijack Richard’s vision by crafting her own narrative about his life. “A documentary has been pitched to Netflix that identifies Teresa as the principal source and contributor, and we believe that will harm Richard’s legacy,” Leonard stated. He’s also opposed an unauthorized biopic tentatively titled The Court Jester, starring comedian Pauly Shore, which he feels doesn’t honor Richard’s wishes.
Richard, who authored a memoir in 1999 titled Still Hungry After All These Years: My Story, had clear ideas about how he wanted his story told. “He wanted it to be like a Broadway play,” Leonard explained. “He wanted to inspire people with a documentary that shows there’s hope in the world, that you can work hard and achieve your goals. That’s why he was passionate about telling his story.”
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-Reporting by Rick Egusquiza
