Celebrities Mourn Richard Simmons, Passed Away at 76

The latest in a week filled with celebrity losses, including Shelley Duvall and Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the sad news of fitness guru Richard Simmons’ passing began to circulate on Saturday afternoon.

With minimal details currently available, it has been confirmed that just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday on Friday, Simmons’ housekeeper found him unresponsive and called 911. According to ABC News, Simmons appears to have died of natural causes, with no foul play suspected.

Moments after the news broke, fans and fellow celebrities took to social media to share their memories and express their sorrow for the reclusive icon, whose life has been the subject of a biopic by Pauly Shore, despite Simmons’ objections.

“Richard Simmons preached exercise, diet and most of all kindness,” wrote journalist Richard Roeper in a post to X. “He positively impacted thousands and thousands of lives. I’m one of the hundreds and hundreds of TV people who basked in his energy and readily accepted those crazy hugs. Rest well.”

“I am completely devastated at the loss of @theweightsaint … we’ve done so many shows together, shared so many laughs & hugs, and I considered him a dear friend who changed so many lives over the years,” wrote Sally Jessy Raphael.

“My heart is broken with the loss of this super special human. May he RIP,” added Ricki Lake.

On Friday, Simmons himself posted a message to his official X account, saying, “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.

Love, Richard.”

Source: ABC News