Richard Simmons, the vibrant, curly-haired fitness instructor and TV star who introduced millions to exercise, has died at age 76. He died a day after his birthday, on Saturday, at his Los Angeles home, according to a report in The guard. In his final social media post, he thanked his friends and followers for their well-wishes. “I’ve never had so many birthday messages in my life! I’m sitting here writing emails. I hope you have a wonderful rest of your Friday,” he said.
Mr Simmons’ brother, Lenny Simmons, confirmed the death in a statement. “I don’t want people to be sad for my brother. I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. We are in shock. Please respect the family during this difficult time,” he said. According to ABC News, the fitness guru appears to have died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected.
Mr. Simmons rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s after opening gyms and posting many fitness videos. The fitness instructor is best known for his quirky attitude and “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” exercise videos.
According to his website, he has been a “teacher and motivator” for more than 40 years, making him “one of the world’s most respected and iconic fitness personalities.” “By delivering a serious message with his trademark humor, he has helped millions of overweight men and women lose more than 3,000,000 pounds through sensible, balanced eating plans and exercise regimens that are energetic, fun and motivating,” his biography on the website reads.
Born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans, he went by Richard as he grew older. He often spoke of how his childhood obesity inspired him to embark on a weight-loss mission and pursue a career in fitness, beginning in the 1970s and 1980s. He began his initial weight-loss journey when he opened Slimmons, his gym, in Beverly Hills, California. In 1980, he published Never Say Diet, his debut novel. It was the first of 12 books he published during his career.
Notably, Mr. Simmons had retreated from public life in recent years. In March, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer under his eye. “I’m going to … die. The truth is, we’re all going to die. Every day we’re alive, we’re getting closer to our death,” he said at the time. He later made it clear that he would not die and that he planned to spread the word to encourage people to live life to the fullest.
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