R.I.P. Richard Simmons: Beloved fitness guru dead at 76

Richard Simmons, the beloved curly-haired TV fitness guru, has died at the age of 76.

Simmons died in his Los Angeles home just one day after celebrating his birthday, his longtime publicist Tom Estey confirmed to People.

In one of his final social media posts, he thanked his friends and followers for wishing him well. “I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday,” he said.

Simmons’ brother, Lenny Simmons, also confirmed the death in a statement.

“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother. I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives,” he said. “We are in shock. Please respect the family at this difficult time.”

According to ABC News, the fitness guru appeared to have died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected.

Simmons made a name for himself in the 1970s and 1980s after opening several gyms and airing fitness videos on television. He is most known for his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series of exercise videos.

According to his website, Simmons has been a “teacher and motivator for over 40 years,” making him “one of the world’s most revered and iconic fitness personalities.”

“By delivering a serious message with his trademark humour, he has helped millions of overweight men and women lose more than 3,000,000 pounds by adopting sensible, balanced eating programs and exercise regimes that are energetic, fun and motivating,” it adds.

Born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948 in New Orleans, the fitness icon later started going by the name Richard. He had often discussed how his childhood obesity inspired him to embark on a weight-loss quest and pursue a profession in fitness.

To start his career and weight loss journey, he opened his gym, Slimmons, in Beverly Hills, California. His debut novel “Never Say Diet” was published in 1980. He published 11 more books after that.

Over the past several years, Simmons had withdrawn from public life. He revealed in March that he was diagnosed with skin cancer underneath his eye. “I am … dying. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death,” he said at that time.

He later clarified that he wasn’t going to die and that he wanted to share his diagnosis to encourage people to live fully.