Richard Simmons- GREGG DEGUIRE/WIREIMAGE
Reclusive exercise guru Richard Simmons has returned home after receiving treatment for severe indigestion earlier this week, but covered his face to elude the paparazzi at his California mansion.
With photographers waiting outside his home Thursday, Simmons returned, but kept a blanket over his head to shield himself from the cameras. In addition, police officers were present to keep the crowd at bay.
Simmons’ longtime manager, Michael Catalano, said the flamboyant fitness fanatic is “doing great.”
His housekeeper Teresa Reveles was trying to figure out a way to get him inside the Hollywood Hills home without showing the world what he looks like today after avoiding the public eye for three years.
Simmons, who checked himself into the hospital Monday, and his housekeeper were inside his Range Rover in the garage trying to make a clean exit inside the home without being caught by photographers. Part of his face and his graying hair was seen. He was wearing a baseball cap as he waited in the car.
After waiting in the heat for 40 minutes, cops formed a human shield and Simmons had a blanket over his head as he went inside.
The LAPD said they were there to “keep the peace” because of the large media presence.
Earlier this week, Simmons released a statement to People, his first in more than a year.
“Hello to everyone who has shown concern for me and sent their good wishes,” Simmons told the magazine. “You will never know how much it means to me. Aren’t you sick of hearing and reading about me?! LOL Well by now you know that I’m not ‘missing,’ just a little under the weather.”
