Hollywood is mourning the passing of a legend.
Richard Simmons, a veteran fitness guru who rose to fame in the 1980s for his unparalleled energy and flamboyant personality, was found dead at his home in the Hollywood Hills on Saturday morning.
He is 76 years old.
Authorities received a call from Simmons’ housekeeper around 10 a.m. on July 13, according to law enforcement officials who spoke privately to TMZ.
The iconic TV personality was later pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of death has not been released.
However, TMZ also reports that no foul play is suspected and that Richard Simmons fell in the bathroom of his residence sometime this weekend; while it’s unclear whether the accident likely caused him ‘s death.
Simmons has lived a very reclusive lifestyle for the past decade or so.
Back in 2017, he issued a statement refuting rumors that he was missing, telling Facebook fans at the time that he had recently been hospitalized with severe indigestion, but that was all.
A year ago, Simmons had to respond to extraordinary speculation about his identity and reassure people around the world that he was not being held hostage.
Meanwhile, in March 2024, Simmons confirmed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
Just the day before his body was found, Simmons seemed to be doing fine, taking to social media (above) to express his gratitude for all the birthday wishes that had recently been sent to him.
“I’m sitting here writing emails. Had the best rest on Friday,” Simmons wrote in his final pair of posts on Friday.
Simmons becomes a household name many A few years ago, due to his “Sweatin’ to Oldies” series of aerobics videos.
His success in the fitness industry also made him a television star, making him a frequent guest on talk shows such as The Tonight Show, The Howard Stern Show, and Late Night with David.
In the early 2010s, he disappeared from the spotlight.
Simmons also has an impressive acting resume, having played himself in 72 episodes of “General Hospital.”
Other notable credits include the films and shows “What Women Want,” “Hercules: Zero to Hero,” “All My Children,” “Late Shadows” and “The Larry Sanders Show,” among others.
The late athlete was also a prolific author, publishing a series of healthy eating recipes.
Meanwhile, back in 2016, Simmons spoke about his alleged kidnapping and his lifestyle on the Today Show.
“I just want some time alone,” he said on the radio at the time.
“You know, my knee hurt and I was having some issues and then the other knee started giving me trouble…you know, right now I’m just trying to take care of myself.”
Earlier this year, as quoted earlier in this article, Simmons opened up about his health and the “lump under my right eye,” which turned out to be cancerous.
“I’m not going to die,” Simmons tweeted in response to all the concerns surrounding the update, adding:
“This is a message about how we should embrace every day we have. Sorry for causing this confusion.
Our condolences go out to Richard Simmons’ friends, family and loved ones.
“The world has truly lost an angel,” publicist Tom Estey told People magazine on Saturday about Simmons.
May he rest in peace.
