LOS ANGELES, USA — Richard Simmons, the exuberant and beloved fitness guru who inspired millions with his energetic workout routines and uplifting spirit, passed away early Saturday, July 13, 2024, morning, according to his longtime publicist, Tom Estey.
“We lost an Angel today – a true Angel,” Estey said in a heartfelt statement.
Simmons had just celebrated his 76th birthday the day before.
Simmons’ brother, Lenny, shared a touching tribute with CNN.
“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother. I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives,” Lenny Simmons wrote. “He truly cared about people. He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help. So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life.”
Hello Everyone,
I don’t want people to be sad about my brother. I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.
1/2— Richard Simmons (@TheWeightSaint) July 14, 2024
Lenny added that Richard was “very excited about all of his upcoming ventures he was working on.”
CNN has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department, Fire Department, and LA County Medical Examiner for additional details.
A Legacy of Fitness and Joy
From 1980 to 1984, Simmons hosted “The Richard Simmons Show,” a popular program focused on personal health and fitness that earned four Daytime Emmys.
He became a household name through his iconic aerobic exercise videos, including the 1988 sensation “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” and its sequels in 1990 and 1991.
Simmons’ infectious personality and unflappable smile led to regular appearances on a variety of TV shows, from “The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson” to several game shows including “Match Game” and “The New Hollywood Squares.”
He remained a late-night fixture throughout the ’90s and 2000s on shows hosted by Jay Leno and David Letterman.
In a 2003 interview with CNN, Simmons reflected on his journey from an overweight child to a fitness icon. “By the time I was 8 years old, I was 200 pounds,” he recounted. “Uniforms couldn’t fit. My father would sew inserts under my arms and in my legs.”
Simmons’ struggle with weight led him to dangerous methods to slim down. “I learned how to throw up. Then I began taking 30 or 40 laxatives a day, and then I began starving for two and a half months, just drinking water, and almost died.”
A pivotal moment came at age 16 when a stranger left a note on his car. “It said, ‘Dear Richard, you’re very funny, but fat people die young. Please don’t die.’”
This note spurred Simmons to educate himself about healthy eating and exercise, eventually leading to his transformation.
A Life Dedicated to Helping Others
In 1974, Simmons opened one of the first aerobic studios in Beverly Hills, aptly named “Slimmons.” He took pride in connecting with overweight individuals, motivating them to improve their health.
“I call anywhere from 50 to 80 people a day. I do about 200 emails a day. … I don’t offer false hope for anybody,” he said in 2003. “I tell them that it’s going to take some time. They’re going to have to love themselves. They’re going to have to be patient.”
Despite retreating from the public eye in recent years, Simmons remained a figure of intrigue and affection. In a January Facebook post, he wrote, “I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful.”
In March, he shared a poignant message on social media: “I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am …. dying. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest every single day. Get up in the morning and look at the sky… count your blessings and enjoy.”
Hello gorgeous! Please don’t rain on my parade. pic.twitter.com/Wvh1WvMAqT
— Richard Simmons (@TheWeightSaint) July 13, 2024
Earlier this year, Simmons expressed his disapproval of an upcoming biopic about his life, set to star actor Pauly Shore. “I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” Simmons wrote on Facebook.
For his birthday, Simmons posted on X, “Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard.”
He joked to People magazine about celebrating with a candle on a zucchini, highlighting his commitment to health.
“I feel good! I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day,” Simmons said. “I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”
Richard Simmons will be remembered for his boundless energy, compassionate heart, and unwavering dedication to helping others live healthier, happier lives.
