Richard Simmons, fitness icon and Hollywood friend, dies at 76
The man who changed the face of fitness and showed that physical activity can be great fun, and a friend to many Hollywood stars, has passed away at the age of 76.
Richard Simmons celebrated his 76th birthday last Friday. He died less than 24 hours after thanking his fans for their birthday wishes on social media.
"Thank you, I've never received so many birthday wishes in my life! I'm just sitting and replying to emails. Have a wonderful rest of the Friday, everyone. I love you, Richard." These were his last words posted online.
Hollywood got to know Simmons when he began achieving enormous success in the '70s and later in the '80s. As a teenager, he struggled with weight issues and weighed almost 200 kilograms! When he regained control over his body and eating habits, he opened a fitness studio in Los Angeles. He endeared himself to people with his demeanor: always almost childishly joyful and very energetic.
He released VHS tapes of exercises (over 20 million copies sold), appeared on television, and befriended the biggest stars in Hollywood. He published several books, with one titled "Never Say Diet" becoming a bestseller.
He appeared in many films and series, including "What Women Want" and "Arrested Development." He voiced characters in animated films like "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer."
Richard Simmons. Life philosophy
In March of this year, Simmons revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer. In the same interview, he shared advice for everyone: "Enjoy life to the fullest every day. Wake up in the morning, look at the sky, think about how lucky you are, and cherish it." And what about dietary advice? "Have a dessert now and then," he advised.
On Saturday evening, the day after Richard's birthday, the police received a call from his housekeeper. Investigators on the scene confirmed the man's death, with no evidence of foul play.
