The evolution of Richard Simmons

Richard Simmons through the years

Born Milton Teagle Simmons in New Orleans on July 12, 1948, the fitness guru better known as Richard Simmons kicked off his career in the '70s and rose to fame in the '80s. Pictured here around 1970, Simmons spent decades making small-screen appearances as an exercise expert and tried his hand at acting with roles on General Hospital, Hercules, and Fish Hooks. The star made headlines in 2017 with the release of the Missing Richard Simmons podcast, which explored Simmons' decision to step away from the spotlight. See photos of him through the years, ahead.

Richard Simmons in the early-1980s

Richard Simmons in the 1980s

Richard Simmons on General Hospital on May 16, 1980

Richard Simmons on General Hospital on Oct. 6, 1980

Richard Simmons in Los Angeles on June 23, 1982

Richard Simmons on American Bandstand on Aug. 5, 1982

Richard Simmons in 1984

Richard Simmons taping The Sally Jessy Raphael Show in Los Angeles on Sept. 9, 1991

Richard Simmons in Los Angeles in 1992

Richard Simmons with La Toya Jackson at the Video Software Dealers Association Convention in Las Vegas on July 11, 1993

Richard Simmons with Jay Leno on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on July 12, 1993

Richard Simmons on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on July 29, 1994

Richard Simmons with Tyra Banks and Jay Leno on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Jan. 12, 1995

Richard Simmons with Cynthia Stevenson and Jay Leno on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Nov. 22, 1995

Richard Simmons on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Dec. 17, 1997

Richard Simmons with Jay Leno on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Feb. 22, 2000

Richard Simmons on The Tonight Show With Jay Leno on April 28, 2000

Richard Simmons at Zeeland East High School in Michigan on Jan. 25, 2003

Richard Simmons at LIFEfest at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on March 14, 2004

Richard Simmons at the Summer Salad Fashion Show in New York on June 2, 2006

Richard Simmons at Late Show With David Letterman in New York City on Oct. 16, 2007

Richard Simmons leading Capitol Hill staff and visitors in an exercise routine in Washington, D.C. on July 24, 2008

Richard Simmons with William Shatner on The Today Show on Jan. 12, 2010

Richard Simmons in Washington, D.C. on April 22, 2010

Richard Simmons in Beverly Hills on May 24, 2011

Richard Simmons with Miss Florida Lissette Garcia in Las Vegas on June 10, 2011

Richard Simmons at The Wendy Williams Show in New York City on Nov. 15, 2011

Richard Simmons at the Sunset Strip Market in West Hollywood on Oct. 25, 2012

Richard Simmons with Cathy Sondheim and Bill Sondheim at Variety's Home Entertainment Hall of Fame gala dinner in Beverly Hills on Dec. 3, 2012

Richard Simmons attends the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation's 24th annual A Time for Heroes in Los Angeles on June 2, 2013

Richard Simmons at the 2013 L.A. Gay Pride Festival on June 9, 2013

Richard Simmons at Project Angel Food's annual Angel Awards in Los Angeles on Aug. 10, 2013

Richard Simmons with Katy Perry at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City on Aug. 25, 2013

Richard Simmons at the Swim for Relief Benefiting Hurricane Sandy Recovery in New York City on Oct. 9, 2013

Richard Simmons at the 87th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City on Nov. 27, 2013

Richard Simmons at SPARKLE: An All-Star Holiday Concert in Los Angeles on Dec. 13, 2013