Rashi Mehta
Renowned fitness guru Richard Simmons has passed away at the age of 76, confirmed by his longtime publicist, Tom Estey, to PEOPLE. The vibrant and energetic coach died at his Los Angeles home shortly after his birthday. TMZ first reported the news, stating that no foul play was suspected, and authorities responded to a call from a housekeeper around 10 a.m. PT on Saturday.
Estey shared his sorrow, stating, “The world has truly lost an angel.” Simmons, who had not been seen in public since 2014, continued to engage with fans online until his last day. On his 76th birthday, he expressed gratitude for the overwhelming number of messages he received, reflecting his lifelong commitment to helping others.
A Journey from Humble Beginnings to Stardom
Born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans, Simmons grew up in the French Quarter, helping his vaudeville performer parents make ends meet by selling pralines at the age of eight. As an overweight child, he faced ridicule from peers, and by high school graduation, he weighed 270 lbs. A turning point came when he received an anonymous note warning, “Fat people die young; please don’t die.” This prompted him to embark on a drastic weight loss journey, shedding 112 lbs. in two-and-a-half months, which unfortunately landed him in the hospital.
Simmons moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s, dedicating himself to learning about nutrition and healthy weight loss. In 1975, he opened Ruffage and Anatomy Asylum, a health food store and exercise studio that quickly gained popularity among celebrities. Over the next four decades, Simmons became a pop culture sensation, releasing best-selling books, workout videos, and hosting weight loss cruises.
Retreat from the Public Eye and Health Struggles
In early 2014, Simmons retreated from public life, citing recovery from a knee injury. His last public appearance was in January of that year, and he taught his final class at Slimmons studio in February. Despite his withdrawal, Simmons remained a subject of public fascination. In 2016, he reassured fans during a Today show interview that he was in good health and chose to focus on personal well-being.
Public interest surged again in 2017 with the “Missing Richard Simmons” podcast. Estey reiterated that Simmons’ retreat was a personal choice, emphasising the need for privacy. Despite his reclusive lifestyle, Simmons continued to engage with his close circle and enjoyed hobbies like gardening and feeding hummingbirds.
A Legacy of Health and Compassion
Richard Simmons will be remembered for his flamboyant personality and unwavering dedication to helping others achieve their fitness goals. Estey highlighted Simmons’ impact, saying, “This man is a world treasure. 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.”
In March 2024, Simmons revealed a health scare with a Facebook post about his basal cell carcinoma diagnosis, reassuring fans that the cancerous cells had been successfully removed. His final messages reflected his enduring positivity and commitment to living each day fully.
Richard Simmons leaves behind a profound legacy of health, happiness, and compassion. His contributions to the fitness world and his genuine care for others have cemented his place as a beloved cultural icon. Simmons’ life serves as an inspiration to embrace wellness and kindness, embodying his message of joy and self-care.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings