One day after his 76th birthday, legendary fitness personality Richard Simmons has died.
TMZ reports that law enforcement responded to a 911 call from Richard Simmons’ housekeeper Saturday morning. When they arrived they found Simmons deceased.
Authorities told the outlet that no foul play is suspected and that the fitness icon “took a fall last night, which may be connected to his passing.”
In March, Simmons revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer after finding a bump underneath his eye. But unclear if that diagnosis contributed to his death.
About Richard Simmons
Richard Simmons was born in Louisiana in 1948 and remained there until he attended Florida State University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in art. In the 1970s, he moved to California and began his career as a fitness instructor with the opening of his first gym, Anatomy Asylum, later renamed Slimmons.
Following his own weight loss battle, he created numerous workout tapes that encouraged fans to lose weight at home through movement. His program “Sweatin’ To The Oldies” became one of the most popular workout programs of all time.
Simmons became well-known due to his bubbly, positive attitude and over-the-top personality. Fans grew concerned when he withdrew from the spotlight in 2014.
In March 2024, Richard posted a concerning message saying that he was dying. “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 apologized and clarified that the message was “about saying how we should embrace every day that we have. Sorry for the confusion. Love, Richard.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who knew and loved Richard Simmons.