Fitness coach Richard Simmons dies a day after celebrating his 76th birthday

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Fitness personality Milton Teagle "Richard" Simmons, born on July 12, 1948, has reportedly passed away a day after turning 76.

Simmons, known for promoting weight-loss programs through his popular Sweatin' to the Oldies aerobics videos, had his death confirmed by his longtime publicist, Tom Estey, according to People. 

The professional fitness coach reportedly died at his Los Angeles home, with no foul play suspected. Authorities responded to a call from a housekeeper around 10 a.m. PT on Saturday, July 13.

Richard Simmons dies at 76

Tom Estey remarked after Simmons' death, "The world has truly lost an angel." Simmons will be remembered for his flamboyant personality and dedication to helping others.

Estey added, "He has helped millions of people lose millions of pounds, he has saved millions of lives. For 40 years, he took care of everyone else but himself."

The fitness guru, who had not been seen in public since 2014, posted on social media as recently as Saturday morning. 

On his 76th birthday, he shared with fans, "Thank you…I never got so many messages  about my birthday in my life!" He added, " I am sitting here writing  emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard." This was one of his final posts, made on Friday, July 13.

 

Simmons had recently spoken about his plans to celebrate his 76th birthday in a story published on Friday. He mentioned he intended to blow out a few candles for the occasion.

"But the candle will probably be on a zucchini. You know, I'm a vegetarian," he said, before admitting he might try "maybe one Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie."

He expressed feeling "good" about turning 76, saying, "I am grateful that I'm here, that I am alive for another day. I'll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people."

Richard Simmons’ humble beginnings in French Quarter of New Orleans

Simmons had humble beginnings, growing up in the French Quarter of New Orleans. He held odd jobs, including selling pralines at age 8, to help his parents. As a child, he was overweight and often teased by classmates. By the time he graduated high school, he was 5'7" and weighed 270 lbs. 

An anonymous note on his car windshield saying, "Fat people die young; please don't die," motivated him to lose weight. He went on an unhealthy diet binge, lost 112 lbs. in two-and-a-half months, and ended up in the hospital with kidney problems.

Richard Simmons learned about nutrition to lead healthy life

In the 1970s, Simmons moved to Los Angeles and learned about nutrition to keep his weight off healthily. In 1975, he opened a health food store and exercise studio called "Ruffage and Anatomy Asylum". The studio became popular with celebrities, and Simmons' fame grew.

Over the next four decades, he became a fitness icon, releasing bestselling books, producing workout videos, hosting weight loss cruises, teaching classes at his Slimmons studio, and appearing on talk shows and speaking tours.

In early 2014, Simmons decided to retreat from the public eye. He made his last public appearance in January and taught his final class at Slimmons in February before closing the studio in November 2016.

Initially, he said he was recovering from a knee injury, but he was never seen in public again. In March 2016, he called the 'Today' show to say he was in good health and not being held against his will.

"I do what I want to do as I've always done," he said. "I've taught, like, thousands and thousands of classes and, you know, right now I just want to sort of just take care of me. I just really don't want to do anything. I just don't want to be traveling anymore. It certainly has taken its toll on me."

 

In June 2016, Simmons was hospitalized for dehydration but said he felt great afterward. In April 2017, he was hospitalized for severe indigestion.

Public interest in Simmons surged in February 2017 with the 'Missing Richard Simmons' podcast. Simmons' rep, Tom Estey, said they did not participate in the podcast because there was no need. Estey added that Simmons chose to take a break from public life and people should respect that decision.

Simmons continued to lead a relaxed life at home with his longtime housekeeper, Teresa Reveles. His older brother, Lenny, said Simmons was doing exactly what he wanted to do, including reading, watching TV, resting, cooking, and feeding hummingbirds in his garden.

In April 2017, speculation arose that Simmons might re-emerge after his manager's company secured the exclusive worldwide rights to represent him for merchandising and endorsements. 

In March 2024, Simmons revealed on Facebook that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer but successfully had the cancerous cells removed.

He later apologized for confusing with a previous message about dying, "Sorry many of you have gotten upset about my message today. Even the press has gotten in touch with me. I am not dying. It was a message about saying how we should embrace every day that we have. Sorry for this confusion."

Richard Simmon's fans extend their gratitude

Richard Simmons' health journey has been missed by many since his death at 76. Numerous fans have expressed their gratitude and remembered him as a great man who helped many.

One user  remembered him saying, "Thankful he shared his talent & did much good for humans." Another user claimed, "RIP YOU WERE A GREAT HELP TO MANY, YOU WILL BE SADLY MISSED." 

A third user claimed, "Rest in Peace Richard Simmons. You did plenty of goodwill to help other people with their Fitness Goals. 💝" A fourth user said with a broken heart emoji, "Bless his kind soul." A last user added, "RIP thanks you for all your energy."

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