Richard Simmons dead: fitness guru turned 76

Richard Simmons, the energetic, frizzy-haired TV personality and fitness coach who made exercise accessible to millions and retreated in recent years, has died. He was 76.

Simmons died Saturday at his home in Los Angeles, a day after his birthday. A representative confirmed Simmons’ death ABC news.

In early 2017, the podcast ‘Missing Richard Simmons’, produced by a former friend, delved into his life and career history and attempted to discover why he had completely withdrawn from public view after living most of his life in the public eye . The podcast addressed the stories circulating asking whether he was suffering from depression or possibly under the influence of his housekeeper.

While other fitness stars like Jack Lalanne, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jane Fonda displayed impressive physiques and movie star good looks, Simmons appealed to the average viewer with brave cheers rather than huge muscles. His neon-colored sequined workout clothes made him a kitschy icon, although he avoided talking about his sexuality.

Featuring recipes, workout routines and celebrity guests, “The Richard Simmons Show” ran from 1984 to 1989 and won Daytime Emmys for best directing and best talk show. A series of DVD workouts, including “Sweatin’ to the Oldies,” sold well for years, bringing his upbeat motivation to viewers across the country.

Born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948 in New Orleans to a showbiz family, he suffered from asthma as an obese teenager. While an overweight exchange student in Italy, he had an uncredited role in “Fellini Satyricon.”

After moving to Los Angeles, Simmons worked as a maître d’ at Derek’s restaurant and began developing an interest in fitness. He was able to lose 123 pounds and in 1974 he opened a fitness studio in Beverly Hills called The Anatomy Asylum.

As the studio became more successful, he began appearing on shows like “Real People” and had a recurring role as himself on “General Hospital.”

After his ‘Richard Simmons Show’ went off the air, he remained in the public eye with guest appearances on numerous shows such as ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’, ‘CHiPs’ and ‘Arrested Development’. He was also a frequent guest on the Howard Stern radio show and on “Late Night With David Letterman.”

A biopic about Simmons was announced in January 2024, with Pauly Shore set to play the fitness icon. Simmons spoke out against the film, writing on Facebook: “I never authorized this film. So don’t believe everything you read…I’m just trying to live a quiet life and be peaceful.’

Simmons was active in charity events, especially those that promoted a healthy lifestyle, and taught classes at his exercise studio. He made himself available for frequent interactions with his many fans, whether they were on bus tours to the homes of movie stars, clients of his rehearsal studio, or passengers on his “Cruise to Lose” cruises. His rehearsal studio remained active in Beverly Hills until 2016.

He is survived by a brother.