Famed weight loss guru, self-help icon Richard Simmons dies at 76
A true pioneer in the health and fitness industry and a showbusiness figure beloved by millions sadly passed away over the weekend.
Weight loss and exercise guru Richard Simmons, who first gained fame in the 70s and 80s, died Saturday, just one day after his 76th birthday, as the New York Post reports.
Simmons dies at 76
According to ABC News a 911 call from Simmons' Los Angeles Home led to a visit from local police, who made the sad discovery that the iconic figure had already passed away from what are being reported as natural causes.
It was earlier this year that Simmons sparked a scare among his legions of fans when he made a cryptic online post telling them that he was “dying.”
Though he later issued a clarification indicating that he was not, in fact, near death, but had simply intended to urge readers to “embrace every day that we have,” he did subsequently reveal a diagnosis of skin cancer, which he ultimately said had been successfully treated.
Simmons, who once struggled with his own weight, first gained attention for opening fitness facilities around the country and producing award-winning fitness television programs and videotapes, such as his Sweatin' to the Oldies series, that took the nation by storm.
In addition to becoming a pop culture star, appearing often on late-night comedy shows and as a guest star on other TV series, Simmons was also a prolific author, penning several books, including the best-selling volume Never Say Diet.
Tributes pour in
It was Simmon's preternaturally uplifting outlook that led numerous celebrities to offer tributes amid the news of his passing, with actor and comedian Pauly Shore writing on X, “I just got word like everyone else that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed.”
“I hope you're at peace and twinkling up in the heavens...[Y]ou're one of a kind, Richard. An amazing life. An amazing story,” Shore added.
Fellow 80s fitness legend Denise Austin expressed similar sentiments, as Fox News noted, saying, “I am heartbroken, as he is someone I have known and started the aerobics business with over 40 years ago. Every time we were together we had so much fun...filled with hugs, laughter and tears.”
Positivity until the end
A prolific social media poster, Simmons was communicating with his fans in his uniquely positive way the day before he was found dead, saying, “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.”
He earlier conveyed what he felt was important life advice in the wake of his cancer diagnosis, telling followers to “enjoy your life to the fullest every single day. Get up in the morning and look at the sky...count your blessings and enjoy.”
In his final interview, given to People magazine last week, Simmons explained that he would likely spend his birthday “doing what I do everyday, which is to help people.”
It is precisely that unyielding commitment to aiding countless individuals in achieving their weight loss and wellness goals that will surely keep Simmons' memory alive in the hearts of fans for years to come.