Fitness guru Richard Simmons has passed away at the age of 76. Known for his eccentric personality and unrelenting positivity, Simmons just celebrated his birthday on Friday. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a 911 call from his housekeeper and found Simmons dead. Preliminary reports indicate that he died of natural causes, with no foul play suspected.
Just a few months ago, Simmons startled his fans when he posted on Facebook that he was dying. However, he later clarified that he was not actually dying, but rather wanted to encourage everyone to appreciate each day of their lives. Despite the recent attention surrounding his health, Simmons has been out of the public eye, preferring to live a quiet and peaceful life.
Simmons was known for his prolific presence on social media, often sharing multiple posts per day. He posted about his birthday on Facebook just a day before his passing, expressing his gratitude for the numerous birthday messages he received. Additionally, in March he revealed that he had skin cancer removed from his face, but stated that he was now doing well. He used this as an opportunity to encourage his followers to prioritize their health and regularly see a doctor.
Born in New Orleans as Milton Teagle Simmons, the fitness icon adopted the name Richard as he pursued his career in fitness starting in the 1970s and ’80s. Simmons, who once struggled with his own weight as a child, opened his own gym called Slimmons in Beverly Hills, California, marking the beginning of his weight loss journey. He went on to release his first book, “Never Say Diet,” in 1980, and continued to release a total of 12 books throughout his career. Additionally, Simmons gained immense popularity through his line of fitness videos, most notably the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series, during the 1980s aerobics and Jazzercise craze.
Simmons also made regular appearances on various talk shows, including the “Late Show with David Letterman” and the “Rosie O’Donnell Show,” solidifying his status as a household name in the world of fitness.
Though he may be gone, Richard Simmons will be remembered for his contagious positivity, his dedication to helping others embrace a healthy lifestyle, and for leaving an indelible mark on the world of fitness.
