Over the weekend, the fitness world bid farewell to Richard Simmons, who passed away at the age of 76. The news broke on Saturday, July 13, with TMZ reporting the story first. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to a 911 call from Simmons’ housekeeper and found him deceased at his Los Angeles residence.
Tom Estey, Simmons’ longtime publicist, confirmed the news to PEOPLE, sharing that Simmons died one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. Estey expressed his sorrow, stating, “The world has truly lost an angel.” Lenny Simmons, Richard’s brother, also shared his grief in a heartfelt statement, urging people to remember the joy and love Richard spread during his lifetime. He requested privacy for the family during this difficult time.
Born Milton Teagle Simmons, Richard grew up in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the son of vaudeville performers. Struggling with weight issues as a child, Simmons moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s, where he immersed himself in the study of nutrition. In 1975, he opened Ruffage and Anatomy Asylum, a health food store and exercise studio that quickly became popular among celebrities. This marked the beginning of his high-profile career.
Throughout his life, Simmons published five bestselling books, produced over 50 workout videos, and organized weight loss cruises. He was a regular presence on talk shows such as “The Late Show with David Letterman” and “The Rosie O’Donnell Show.” He even had a recurring role on the soap opera “General Hospital” and guest-starred as himself on shows like “Arrested Development” and “The Larry Sanders Show.” From 1980 to 1984, he hosted “The Richard Simmons Show,” which won four Daytime Emmy Awards.
Simmons stepped away from the public eye in 2014, making his final public appearance in January of that year and teaching his last class at Slimmons studio in February. Although the studio officially closed in November 2016, Simmons remained active on social media, with his last posts thanking fans for their birthday wishes just hours before his death.
In an interview with PEOPLE, published on the day of his passing, Simmons shared his birthday plans, humorously mentioning that he would blow out a candle on a zucchini, given his vegetarian diet. He also confessed to possibly indulging in a Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie. Reflecting on his milestone birthday, he expressed gratitude for another day of life, stating, “I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”
The world remembers Richard Simmons not only for his contributions to fitness but for the genuine joy and love he brought into countless lives. His legacy will continue to inspire and uplift those who seek to improve their health and well-being.
