Richard Simmons, who was well-known for encouraging overweight people to exercise and change their diets, died on Saturday.
Recognized for his colorful tank tops and short shorts, Simmons exuded limitless enthusiasm on TV as the exuberant court jester of physical fitness. On Friday, he turned 76.
The fitness guru Richard Simmons passed unexpectedly at home in Los Angeles, according to an email sent to The Associated Press by his publicist Tom Estey. Estey remarked, “We lost an Angel today—a true Angel.”
An official from the Los Angeles Police Department attested to the fact that at 9:57 a.m. on Saturday, officers came in response to a 911 call from Richard Simmons’ residence on Belfast Drive.
When one rescue ambulance arrived, it found a 76-year-old man who had been declared dead on the spot by firefighters and paramedics for what appeared to be natural causes.
According to LAFD Captain Erik Scott, “as a result, no hospital transport was necessary.”
Two days before he died, Richard thought about what he wanted to leave behind.
“I never considered myself to be a famous person. He told People, “I’m actually a shy person and a little bit of an introvert; people don’t know this.”
But that’s a different story when the curtain rises. I’m here to bring happiness to others.
However, the compliments I receive via emails. We will likely respond to more than 100 emails today.
“And they’ll say, ‘I’m your biggest fan,’ and I just reply in writing, telling them not to say that because I’m a human too. Additionally, I am aware of your positive actions.
Lenny Simmons, the brother of Simmons, issued a statement confirming the death.
Lenny Simmons declared, “I don’t want people to be depressed about my brother.” “I want people to remember him for the true love and joy that he instilled in their lives.”
“We’re stunned,” Lenny continued. “Please show the family some courtesy during this trying time.”Longtime spokesman for Simmons, Tom Estey, said in a statement, “Today the World lost an Angel.”
Simons was 76 years old the day before he unexpectedly passed away, and he used social media to express gratitude to everyone for their birthday wishes.
“I appreciate it…In my entire life, I have never received so many birthday messages! Simmons authored a piece. “I’m composing emails while I sit here. I hope you have the most amazing remainder of Friday.
“Love, Richard,” was his post’s signature.
Growing up in New Orleans, Simmons struggled with weight issues from an early age, reaching a weight of about 200 pounds by the time she was 15 years old. According to his website, he weighed 268 pounds when he graduated from high school.
He hosted the Richard Simmons Show, which emphasized fitness and personal health, from 1980 until 1984.
He also became well-known for his aerobic workout films, which included the 1988 hit Sweatin’ to the Oldies and its 1990 and 1991 follow-ups.
Simmons continued to build on his early success by frequently participating in game shows like Match Game and The New Hollywood Squares, as well as The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. During the 1990s and 2000s, he became a mainstay of late-night television, frequently making appearances on programs presented by David Letterman and Jay Leno.
Simmons sold millions of exercise videos over the years. Paul Newman and Barbra Streisand were regular customers of his Beverly Hills restaurant and fitness center.
After he announced a skin condition in March 2024 and withdrew from public life, rumors concerning Simmons’ health and well-being had been circulating. TMZ was the first to report on his demise.
We sincerely apologize for this loss. I hope he finds peace.
