Richard Simmons Had Fitness Come Back Plans, Says Brother

Death didn’t just take a fitness legend; it foiled Richard Simmons‘ comeback plans after a decade away from the spotlight.

According to the health and wellness activist’s older brother, Lenny, he was gearing up to leave retirement for a spectacular return at 76. Unfortunately, he never got a chance to help the next generation.

Richard Simmons died a day after his 76th birthday on July 13, leaving behind an unforgettable legacy and a seven-figure estate.

Lenny recently addressed his younger brother’s life and death in a candid interview, revealing he attempted to rejoin the fitness world before his death. Richard was motivated to leave retirement for the new generation, many of whom grew up watching his workout videos.

“I think the way kids are growing up today with their phones and all that, and not getting out… there’s a need again, and I think that’s why he came out of retirement,” Lenny explained, adding:

“He knew — if you read some of his posts — people will say, ‘I used to watch your videos with my grandparents.’ So, you know, it’s a new generation that is watching.”

Although Richard did not have the same energetic demeanor from his prime, he was willing to return for fans. Lenny stressed to PEOPLE that his brother’s iconic workout videos remain “just as relevant now as they were then.”

Reflecting on Richard’s comeback plans at an older age, Lenny said, “At 76, I don’t know if he could have kept up with some of the things he did when he was 30.”

“But the point is, I think he realized that he needed to be out there again for a new generation of people who are having problems like they were many years ago,” he continued.

Since death foiled Richard’s plans to help the new generation, Lenny hoped someone else would pick up the reins. He added: “I think coming out of this, there may be people that will show up and say, ‘I want to continue that legacy,’… I hope so.”

Simmons’ passion for health and wellness reportedly came from his struggles with weight issues. He grew up tackling this problem, helping him achieve the perfect routines and recipes to help others in similar situations.

His rise to fame began with the opening of Ruffage and the Anatomy Asylum, a combination health-food eatery and exercise studio in 1974. This facility’s success became the foundation of Simmons’ fitness empire.

The 76-year-old went on to release five bestselling books and produce over 50 workout videos. Hedid not stop there and reached a larger audience by hosting weight loss cruises, speaking tours, and teaching classes at his Slimmons studio in Beverly Hills.

Before Lenny confirmed his brother was planning a fitness comeback, The Blast reported the 76-year-old had been working on a Broadway show before his death. The new production promised to be an energetic and celebratory experience.

To bring this dream to life, Simmons joined hands with Patrick Leonard, a music industry giant known for his collaborations with renowned artists like Michael Jackson and Madonna. The producer was set to create the show’s soundtrack.

The Broadway gig would also feature an open space near the stage where theater lovers could participate in the fun. It was unclear how far the show’s production had gone or if Simmons’ death would affect the musical.

As shared byThe Blast, Simmons did not leave only a legacy behind for his loved ones, as he had a seven-figure estate. The L.A. property has a reported worth between 4.9 million and 5.4 million dollars.

The 4,119 square feet mansion features four bedrooms and five bathrooms and has been the fitness guru’s home as far back as 1989. He previously owned a 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home in West Hollywood but sold it years ago.

Richard Simmons’ official cause of death is yet to be determined, but his housekeeper noted he suffered a nasty fall on his 76th birthday. Investigations are still ongoing.