LOS ANGELES—Richard Simmons, the fitness guru whose flamboyant personality and infectious energy made him a mainstay of television talk shows and infomercials for years, was found dead at his Hollywood Hills home Saturday, July 13, one day after his 76th birthday. Mr. Simmons’ death was first reported by TMZ.
Authorities were dispatched at 9:55 a.m. Saturday to 1350 Belfast Drive in Hollywood Hills West on a call of a cardiac arrest/suspected death, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.
They did not transport anyone to a hospital. The department described it as a “natural death” and said the decedent was 76 years old. Mr.
Simmons’ housekeeper was the one who called authorities, according to multiple media reports. TMZ added later that unnamed law enforcement sources told the website that Mr. Simmons had a fall Friday night, which could have been connected to his death.
Mr. Simmons celebrated his 76th birthday Friday, relayed in a lengthy post on Facebook. “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,” he posted in a follow-up message. After spending years as a ubiquitous figure on television, Mr. Simmons retreated from public appearances in recent years amid rampant speculation about his health.
He was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in 2017 for what was reported to be a gastrointestinal problem. But he told People this week that he felt good as he prepared for his birthday. “I feel good! I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day.
I'll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people,” he said. Born in New Orleans, Mr. Simmons moved to Southern California in the 1970s, working as a maitre d' in Beverly Hills before opening his first gym in that city, called Slimmons.
It closed in 2016. At a time when the fitness movement was mostly associated with the young and beautiful, Mr. Simmons focused on older people and those who struggled with serious weight issues, helping them overcome doubts and insecurity to improve their lives through exercise, diet, and a positive attitude.
His career took off via his burgeoning appearances on television, as a guest on daytime and late-night talk shows and as the host of his own shows, “Slim Cookin” and “The Richard Simmons Show.” He made a fortune producing home-exercise videos during the VHS and DVD boom of the 1980s and ‘90s, most famously with his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series. His television appearances included stints on “Real People” and a recurring role as himself on “General Hospital,” and spots on “Evening Shade,” “Arrested Development,” and “The Larry Sanders Show” among others.
On the big screen, he appeared in the films “Fellini Satyricon” in 1969 and “What Women Want” in 2000. Mr. Simmons was also a brand spokesman for several products, including Sprint, Yoplait, and Herbal Essence shampoo.
A vegetarian, Mr. Simmons wrote numerous cookbooks and espoused the importance of a healthy diet. His expansive business ventures also included his “Cruise to Lose” ship excursions.
Comedian and actor Pauly Shore has been attached to a biopic in which he would portray Mr. Simmons, but its subject was reportedly not on board with the project. “I just read that a man that I don’t know is writing my bio pic starring Pauly Shore,” Mr.
Simmons posted on social media in April. “I do not approve this movie. I am in talks with major studios to create my own biopic with some help.
Wait for this movie.” And just four days ago, Mr. Simmons posted the following message on his Facebook page: “Getting closer to telling my story in my own words.
I’m so excited!” Mr. Shore paid tribute to Mr. Simmons on Saturday.
“I just got word like everyone else that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed,” Mr. Shore wrote on X. “I hope you’re at peace and twinkling up in the heavens.
Please give my mother Mitzi and my father Sammy a big hug and a kiss for me. You’re one of a kind, Richard. An amazing life.
An amazing story. They broke the dolphin shorts when they made you. Rest in peace, my friend.
Rest in peace.”.
