Fitness icon Richard Simmons dies at 76, fans mourn online
4:51 AM EDT, July 15, 2024
The man who changed the face of fitness and proved that physical activity can be great fun, a friend to many Hollywood stars, passed away at the age of 76.
Richard Simmons celebrated his 76th birthday last Friday. He died less than 24 hours after thanking his fans for birthday wishes on social media.
Hollywood got to know Simmons when he achieved enormous success in the '70s and later in the '80s. As a teenager, he struggled with weight issues and weighed almost 440 lbs. When he regained control over his body and eating habits, he opened a fitness studio in Los Angeles. He endeared himself to people with his demeanor: almost childishly joyful and energetic.
He released VHS tapes of exercises (over 20 million copies sold), appeared on television, and befriended the biggest stars in Hollywood. He published several books, with "Never Say Diet" becoming a bestseller.
He appeared in many films and series, including "What Women Want" and "Arrested Development." He voiced characters in animated films like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
Richard Simmons: Life Philosophy
In March of this year, Simmons revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
On Saturday evening, the day after Richard's birthday, the police received a call from his housekeeper. Investigators on the scene confirmed the man's death, with no evidence of foul play.
