Richard Simmons’ fitness videos, especially the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series, became wildly popular during the 1980s fitness boom.
Richard Simmons, the beloved and energetic fitness icon known for his unyielding positivity, has passed away at age 76, according to his representative.
Simmons celebrated his birthday on Friday, just before the tragic news. The Los Angeles Police Department responded to a 911 call from his housekeeper and found Simmons deceased at his home. Authorities believe he died of natural causes, with no foul play suspected.
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In March, Simmons startled fans with a Facebook post implying 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 intended the message to encourage people to cherish every day.
Simmons, who had retreated from the public eye recently, debunked rumors of a biopic about him earlier this year. “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,” he stated.
Known for his prolific social media presence, Simmons posted about his birthday on Facebook the day before his death, expressing gratitude for the many birthday messages. In March, he had also shared that he had undergone surgery to remove skin cancer from his face and was doing well.
About Richard Simmons
Born Milton Teagle Simmons in New Orleans on July 12, 1948, he later adopted the name Richard. Struggling with obesity as a child, Simmons embarked on a weight loss journey that led him to a career in fitness during the 1970s and 1980s. He opened his Beverly Hills gym, Slimmons, and published his first book, “Never Say Diet,” in 1980, the first of twelve.
Richard Simmons‘ fitness videos, especially the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series, became wildly popular during the 1980s fitness boom.
He was a frequent guest on talk shows such as “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” appeared on “General Hospital,” and made guest appearances as himself on shows like “Arrested Development” and “The Larry Sanders Show.”
From 1980 to 1984, he hosted “The Richard Simmons Show,” a talk and fitness program that won four Daytime Emmy Awards.
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