The fitness world mourns the loss of one of its greatest and most eccentric idols: Richard Simmons has died at the age of 76.
The eccentric fitness guru and comedian Richard Simmons is dead. The American was found dead by police in his house in Los Angeles on Saturday, just one day after his 76th birthday. His housekeeper had previously called the emergency services. According to reports, Simmons died of natural causes. Three months ago, the comedian announced to his fans via Facebook that he was dying, like everyone else: “The truth is that we all die.” However, he later clarified that he did not mean these statements literally.
In March 2024, he also announced that he had skin cancer, but that he was now feeling better. He urged his followers to go to the doctor and get checked out. Simmons, who was severely overweight as a child, lost a lot of weight in the 1970s and 1980s and aspired to a career in the fitness industry.
Fitness studio, fitness videos, talk and fitness show, twelve books
He opened his first fitness studio in Beverly Hills. In total, he wrote twelve books on the topics of weight loss and health. He also joined the emerging aerobics scene of the time and became known nationwide through numerous videos. The recordings for his four-part series “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” are still considered to be the most popular fitness videos of that time.
Due to his increased popularity, Simmons also appeared more and more frequently in TV shows and landed a regular role in the cult series “General Hospital”. From 1980 to 1984 he hosted his own show “The Richard Simmons Show”, a mixture of humorous talk and fitness show. He was awarded a total of four Daytime Emmys for this work. He was also popular due to his unusual look, including lush curls and loud outfits. He was also loved for his irrefutably positive attitude.
Actress Lyn Herring remembers Richard Simmons
“General Hospital” star Lynn Herring (65) spoke out after the death announcement: “Richard Simmons meant so much to so many people, including me.” When he entered the set, it was filled with his vitality, his wicked humor, his joy in entertaining and his love for all of us, the actress recalls: “Thank you, Richard, for everything you did for so many.”
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
