Richard Simmons, the energetic and positive fitness icon, has passed away at the age of 76, according to his representative.
Simmons had just celebrated his birthday on Friday.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a 911 call from Simmons’ housekeeper and found him deceased in his home. Police sources indicated that he died of natural causes, with no signs of foul play.
In March, Simmons alarmed fans with a Facebook post suggesting he was dying. He wrote, “I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am… dying. Oh I can see your faces now. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death.” He later clarified that he wasn’t actually dying, but wanted to encourage everyone to “embrace every day that we have.”
Recently, Simmons had kept a low profile, despite rumors of a biopic about him. He dismissed these rumors, stating, “Don’t believe everything you read. I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful.”
Simmons was active on social media, often posting several times a day. A day before his death, he thanked fans for the birthday wishes on Facebook, writing, “Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday.”
In March, he shared that he had undergone treatment for skin cancer but assured fans he was doing well. “I know some of you reading this have had cancer or have known someone in your life who has had cancer,” he wrote. “Promise me you will see your doctor and get a complete check-up.”
Born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans, he adopted the name Richard as he grew up. Struggling with weight issues as a child, he embarked on a personal weight loss journey, leading to a successful career in fitness during the 1970s and ’80s. He opened his gym, Slimmons, in Beverly Hills, California, and released his first book, “Never Say Diet,” in 1980, the first of 12 books he would author.
Simmons became a household name with his fitness videos, which gained massive popularity in the 1980s. His “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series became iconic, contributing to the nationwide fitness craze that included aerobics and Jazzercise.
Richard Simmons’ legacy will be remembered for his infectious enthusiasm and his dedication to helping people live healthier lives.
