Renowned 1980s workout personality Richard Simmons has passed away, as confirmed by his long-time publicist Tom Estey. The news of Simmons’ death was announced early on Saturday morning, one day after he celebrated his 76th birthday. “We lost an Angel today – a true Angel,” expressed Estey. CNN has reached out to authorities for further details on his passing.
Simmons hosted the “Richard Simmons Show” from 1980 to 1984, focusing on personal health and fitness, winning four Daytime Emmys. He also gained recognition for his aerobic exercise videos like “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series. His infectious smile and playful personality led him to regular appearances on various TV shows over the years, including game shows and late-night talk shows.
In a 2003 interview with CNN, Simmons opened up about his struggles with weight as a child and how it motivated him to pursue fitness. He recounted turning his life around after receiving a life-changing note at 16, leading to the opening of his iconic aerobic studio, “Slimmons,” in Beverly Hills in 1974.
Over the years, Simmons continued inspiring others to prioritize their health and well-being through his motivational fitness instruction and personal connections with people struggling with weight issues. Despite recent seclusion from the public eye, Simmons occasionally shared personal updates on social media, emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest every day.
Earlier this year, Simmons made headlines for addressing a proposed biopic about him starring Pauly Shore, clarifying that he had not approved the project. The upcoming biopic is set to be produced by the Wolper Organization and Warner Bros. Shore previously portrayed Simmons in a short film shown at the Sundance Film Festival.
On his 76th birthday, Simmons expressed gratitude for the well-wishes he received and joked about celebrating by blowing out a candle on a zucchini, reflecting his commitment to promoting health and self-care. His legacy as a fitness advocate will continue to impact lives as people remember his positive impact on their health and well-being.
