Richard Simmons, 2011 (Image credit: Angela George, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons)
LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) – Fitness guru Richard Simmons passed away on Saturday (July 13) at his home in Los Angeles. His publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed the news of his death in an email to multiple media outlets. The death was caused by natural causes, according to the Los Angeles police and fire departments. Simmons died one day after his 76th birthday.
Simmons, who has been out of the public eye in recent years, was once an overweight teenager and is now a fitness guru. The Emmy Award-winning daytime host shares his weight loss journey and secrets the richard simmons show, Best-selling author and founder of the diet plan Deal-A-Meal. His “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout video became a cultural phenomenon.
Simmons’ approach to fitness blends humor and common sense. “My meal plan and diet are just two words – common sense. With a touch of humor,” He told Associated Press 1982. “I want to help people and make the world a healthier, happier place.”
Despite his playful personality, Simmons was ridiculed for his flamboyant style and was often the butt of several jokes. Nonetheless, he always stressed the importance of positivity and motivation, saying: “Sillyness cures depression. It catches people off guard and makes them think. But in between this stupidity, there is a lot of meaningful seriousness. This is a different types of training.
Simmons is known for her compassionate approach to fitness. He often works with severely obese people and uses real people in his workout videos to show that everyone can achieve fitness goals. He criticized popular eating habits and promoted healthy eating and regular exercise as the keys to a long, healthy life.
Born Milton Teagle Simmons in New Orleans, he struggled with his weight throughout his childhood and teenage years. He eventually changed his name to Richard to improve his image and discovered his passion for fitness after receiving an anonymous letter urging him to lose weight for the sake of his health. This led him to develop a sound diet and exercise plan to help others.
Simmons’ career has included roles in commercials and movies, but he left his mark through fitness programs and books. Despite disappearing from the public eye in recent years, he has assured fans in interviews that he is enjoying his time away from the spotlight.
In 2022, after years of speculation about Simmons’ health, a spokesperson for Simmons confirmed that he was “living the life he chose.”
After learning of the news of his death, many friends posted messages on social media.
Poly Coast: “Like everyone else, I have just received the news that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed away. I hope you are at peace and shining in heaven. You were one of the kings, Richard. An amazing life. An amazing one s story.
Richard Roper: “Richard Simmons preached about exercise, diet, and most importantly, kindness. He had a positive impact on the lives of thousands of people. I was one of hundreds of people watching on television, They basked in his energy and embraced those crazy hugs.
rest in peace.