Is Richard Simmons planning a comeback?! This business deal has us optimistic

Richard Simmons arrives at the Project Angel Food's 2013 Angel Awards on Saturday, August 10, 2013 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)

It’s possible that a new business deal will bring health and fitness mogul Richard Simmons out into the public eye for the first time since 2014. Prominent Brand + Talent, a management company founded by Simmons’ long-time manager Michael Catalano, announced on Wednesday that it had acquired the rights to represent Simmons for merchandising, endorsements and licensing opportunities.

Videos by Rare

“All I can say, at least for now, is it is possible,” Catalano said of whether Simmons would forgo his reclusive lifestyle to publicly promote products that result from the deal. “But it is yet to be determined, I would say.”

RELATED: Someone close to Richard Simmons has addressed those rumors that he’s overweight and transitioning into a woman

He did disclose, however, that Simmons was directly involved in setting up the deal and that all Simmons-related products would “be in keeping with Richard’s lifelong mission and messaging.”

“We’re talking about inspiration-themed products that will hopefully accomplish what Richard really set his life’s work to do, which is to help people take better care of themselves,” he said. “We’re not licensing tires and party hats.”

Simmons’ mysterious disappearance triggered the creation of a six-episode podcast “Missing Richard Simmons” that aimed to get to the bottom of where he’s been the past nearly three years. While it was well-received by listeners, it did draw complaints from many who felt it violated Simmons’ privacy. Catalano said he is conflicted by the podcast due to its “mistruths,” but he admitted that it put Simmons “front and center,” which got a younger generation interested in him and could be good for business.

“Certainly I would say, without a doubt, a younger demo is aware of Richard as a result,” Mr. Catalano said. “At the end of the day, if it helps deliver his message to people who were unaware of it previously, fantastic. That’s what Richard’s mission has always been.”

RELATED: Richard Simmons’ manager has reacted to a public plea for the fitness guru to come out of hiding

What do you think?

United States launches military strikes against Syria, despite warnings from Russia

Sen. Rand Paul condemns U.S. airstrikes on Syria