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Richard Simmons' secret turmoil: Mysterious note sparked former 'fat model' to spiral into eating disorder - before reinvention into body positive fitness guru

Richard Simmons was known to millions for his fitness routines and infectious personality - but his path to worldwide fame was sparked by secret turmoil.

Images of the future star before his 100lb+ weight loss are scarce - but as an adult art student he appeared almost unrecognizable on screen among the freak show characters in Fellini films Satyricon (1968) and The Clowns (1970). Images of the future star before his 100lb+ weight loss are scarce - but as an adult art student he appeared almost unrecognizable on screen among the freak show characters in Fellini films Satyricon (1968 - pictured) and The Clowns (1970). He was known to counsel the severely obese, including Rosalie Bradford, who held records for being the world's heaviest woman, and Michael Hebranko, who credited Simmons for helping him lose 700 pounds.

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