Richard Simmons, the exuberant fitness icon beloved by millions, passed away just a day after celebrating his 76th birthday. His longtime publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed the news.
On the fateful Saturday morning, emergency services responded to a call from Simmons’ housekeeper around 10 a.m. PT. No foul play was suspected, as TMZ first reported.
Known for his relentless energy and kindness, Simmons had been away from the public eye since 2014. His sudden departure from the spotlight had sparked many speculations and even conspiracy theories about his wellbeing.
But the man behind the sequined tank tops and boundless enthusiasm chose a quieter life out of the limelight, still extending his heartfelt messages to fans online. Just a day before his passing, he took to social media to express his joy over receiving an overwhelming number of birthday messages.
In one of his last poignant messages, he wrote, “I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday.”
Simmons’ journey was anything but conventional. Born Milton Teagle Simmons in New Orleans, he had a tough childhood. Overweight and often teased, Simmons reached 270 lbs by the time he graduated high school.
The turning point came when he received an anonymous note on his car windshield urging him to lose weight. So began Simmons’ transformative journey, although his initial attempts led to severe health issues. Eventually, he discovered a healthier lifestyle, moving to Los Angeles in the 1970s and immersing himself in nutrition and fitness.
In 1975, he opened Ruffage and Anatomy Asylum, which soon became a hotspot for celebrities. Simmons climbed to fame with his high-energy workout videos, bestselling books, and his ever-popular Beverly Hills studio, Slimmons.
Yet, in 2014, Simmons chose to step back from the public stage. His final public appearance was in January, and his last class at Slimmons was in February. His decision to retire from public life, he said, was due to a knee injury, and he wished to focus on self-care.
“I do what I want to do as I’ve always done. I just really don’t want to do anything. I just don’t want to be traveling anymore…”
Though he faced health challenges, including dehydration and severe indigestion, his indomitable spirit never waned. Simmons continued to touch lives from the privacy of his home, engaging with his fans through social media.
In 2017, he was the focus of the ‘Missing Richard Simmons’ podcast, which only heightened the public’s curiosity. However, his representative stated that Simmons was merely enjoying a much-needed break from public life, and he was doing just fine.
Simmons had hinted at a potential comeback as late as 2017 through his manager’s company, suggesting new merchandising and licensing endeavors. But in 2024, he shared a more personal battle—diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer. His openness about his health struggles earned him even more admiration for his resilience.
Even until his last days, he remained the affable, high-spirited man who always emphasized the importance of cherishing each day.
“This man is a world treasure,” Estey said, poignantly summing up Simmons’ legacy. “He took care of everyone else but himself for 40 years. He has saved millions of lives.”
Richard Simmons leaves behind a legacy of spirit and dedication, burning brightly in the hearts of everyone he helped.
