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| Photo: Todd Williamson/AP |
fitness guru Richard Simmons has passed away at the age of 76. His longtime publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed the news.
Simmons died at his Los Angeles home shortly after his birthday. Law enforcement confirmed no foul play, responding to a call from a housekeeper around 10 a.m. PT on Saturday, July 13.
Last Moments and Social Media Presence
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| Photo: Getty Images |
Despite his reclusive nature in recent years, Simmons remained active on social media. He posted as recently as Saturday morning, thanking fans for their birthday wishes.
"I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life," he shared. His final posts were filled with gratitude and positivity, encouraging his followers to have a beautiful Friday.
In an interview published on Friday, Simmons discussed his birthday plans, mentioning his intention to blow out a few candles, humorously adding that the candle would be on a zucchini due to his vegetarian diet. "Maybe one Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie," he joked.
Early Life and Struggles
Born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948, to vaudeville performer parents, Simmons had humble beginnings in the French Quarter of New Orleans. As a child, he struggled with obesity, often facing ridicule from his peers. By high school graduation, Simmons weighed 270 pounds.
A pivotal moment came when he found an anonymous note on his car windshield that read, "Fat people die young; please don't die." This prompted him to embark on an extreme diet, leading to a 112-pound weight loss in just two-and-a-half months, which resulted in kidney malfunction and hospitalization.
Rise to Fame
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| Photo: Showbizz Daily |
After moving to Los Angeles in the 1970s, Simmons dedicated himself to learning about nutrition and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
In 1975, he opened Ruffage and Anatomy Asylum, a health food store and exercise studio. The studio quickly gained popularity, attracting celebrities and catapulting Simmons into the spotlight.
Over the next four decades, Simmons became a pop culture fitness icon. He authored five bestselling books, produced over 50 workout videos, hosted weight loss cruises, and taught classes at his Slimmons studio in Beverly Hills.
His infectious energy and flamboyant personality endeared him to millions.
Retreat from Public Life
In early 2014, Simmons made the decision to step away from the public eye. His last public appearance was in January of that year, and he taught his final class at Slimmons in February, officially closing the studio in November 2016.
Initially, Simmons cited a knee injury as the reason for his hiatus, but he was never seen in public again.
Despite rumors and speculation, Simmons reassured fans in a 2016 phone call to the Today show that he was in good health and living on his own terms. He stated, emphasizing his desire for privacy and self-care.
"I do what I want to do as I've always done,"
Health Struggles and Public Interest
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| Photo: Harry Langdon/Getty Images |
Simmons faced health challenges in recent years. He was hospitalized for dehydration in June 2016 and for severe indigestion in April 2017. Public interest in his whereabouts surged in 2017 with the release of the Missing Richard Simmons podcast.
However, Simmons' longtime rep, Tom Estey, maintained that Simmons had chosen to take a break from public life and urged people to respect his privacy.
A Quiet Life at Home
Even out of the public eye, Simmons continued to lead an active and fulfilling life. According to his older brother Lenny, Simmons enjoyed reading, watching TV, gardening, and caring for his birds. He remained a good cook and continued to exercise regularly.
In March 2024, Simmons revealed in an emotional Facebook post that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. He assured his supporters that the cancerous cells had been successfully removed.
This revelation came shortly after a message about embracing life sparked health concerns, which Simmons later clarified. Simmons' legacy as a fitness icon and his dedication to helping others will be remembered by many.
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