Richard Simmons - Fitness-Guru dies at 76
The eccentric Fitness-Guru and Comedian Richard Simmons is dead. According to reports from ABC News, the American was found dead at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday, just one day after his 76th birthday. His housekeeper placed a call to the police prior to the discovery. Reports indicate that Simmons passed away of natural causes. Three months ago, the Comedian announced via Facebook that he was dying, but later clarified that he did not mean it literally.
In March 2024, he also revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer, but was now doing well. He urged his followers to go to the doctor and get checked. Simmons, who was severely overweight as a child, lost weight in the 1970s and 1980s and pursued a career in the fitness industry.
Fitness Studio, Fitness Videos, Talk and Fitness Show, twelve Books
He opened his first fitness studio in Beverly Hills. In total, he wrote twelve books on weight loss and health. He also joined the burgeoning Aerobic scene of the time and gained widespread recognition through numerous fitness videos. The recordings for his four-part series "Sweatin' to the Oldies" are still considered the most popular fitness videos from that era.
Through his newfound popularity, Simmons appeared frequently on TV shows and secured a regular role in the cult series "General Hospital". From 1980 to 1984, he hosted his own show "The Richard Simmons Show", a mix of humor-filled talk and fitness. For this work, he was awarded a total of four Daytime Emmys. He was also beloved for his unusual looks, including voluminous wigs and bright outfits. In addition, he was loved for his unwavering positive attitude.
Actress Lyn Herring remembers Richard Simmons
The "General Hospital" star Lynn Herring (65) spoke out in People Magazine after the death announcement: "Richard Simmons meant so much to so many people, including me." When he entered the set, it was filled with his vitality, his mischievous humor, his joy of entertaining, and his love for us all, recalls the actress. "Thank you, Richard, for all the things you have done for so many."
The Los Angeles Police Department was contacted following a call from Simmons' housekeeper. Despite Richard Simmons' previous announcement on Facebook about his supposed death, ABC News confirmed that he passed away at his Los Angeles residence. After gaining fame with his fitness videos and fitness show on ABC, Simmons secured a role in the popular soap opera "General Hospital."
