Richard Simmons, an icon in the realm of fitness known for his high-energy personality and motivational spirit, has died at the age of 76, as KTLA first reported. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed they responded to Simmons' Hollywood Hills home for a "cardiac arrest suspected death" on the morning of July 13. The cause was stated to be natural. Simmons, who had just celebrated his birthday and expressed his gratitude for the flood of birthday messages on social media, had been diagnosed with skin cancer earlier this year, although it's unclear if it was related to his death.
Known for his catchphrase “You can do it!” and his high-octane aerobics videos, Simmons' influence extended beyond the fitness studio into American living rooms, best exemplified by the world-famous "Sweatin' to the Oldies." Despite his recent retreat from the public eye, Simmons didn't shy away from engaging with his fans online, often posting several times a day and even sparking concern back in March with a cryptic Facebook post about dying which he clarified as a message to embrace life not an actual death knell; the post read, "I am .... dying. Oh I can see your faces now. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death," as covered by ABC News.
The New Orleans native left a lasting legacy that transcends fitness; he built an empire that started with the opening of his gym, Slimmons, and expanded into numerous books and a syndicated television show. His empathetic approach to weight loss and exercise made fitness accessible and fun for millions. As an entertainer, his appearances ranged from late-night talks shows to daytime soap operas, cementing his place in pop culture as much more than a fitness coach.
Responses to Simmons' passing have poured in from all corners of the entertainment world, with TV host and actress Ricki Lake saying on X that she loved Simmons “so so much”. His impact was such that even in his absence from the spotlight, news of a biopic and unfounded rumors about his whereabouts often made headlines with Simmons himself stepping in to set the record straight on his desire for peace and quiet, despite the vast footprint he left on fitness and entertainment culture over the decades.
Simmons’ candid nature and relentless encouragement left an indelible mark, and as the fitness community and fans alike mourn his passing, they celebrate the joy and vigour he brought into their lives. Richard Simmons was a man who wore his heart on his gym shorts leading legions in the pursuit of health, happiness, and of course, a good beat to sweat to.
