Fitness Guru Richard Simmons, Known for Mixing Humor and Sweat, Dies at 76

NEW YORK (AP) — Richard Simmons, the exuberant fitness guru known for his flamboyant personality and dedication to promoting healthy living, passed away on Saturday at the age of 76.

The Los Angeles police and fire departments responded to a call from a Los Angeles residence, where a man was declared dead from natural causes. Though the authorities did not release the individual’s name, public records matched the details to Simmons.

TMZ was the first to report the news, which was subsequently confirmed by other outlets citing unnamed representatives. Simmons had previously disclosed a skin condition diagnosis in March 2024. His recent reclusive behavior had led to ongoing speculation regarding his health.

Simmons first gained fame as a teenager struggling with weight issues, rising to prominence with “The Richard Simmons Show.” He authored best-selling books and created the popular diet plan Deal-A-Meal, alongside founding exercise studios and producing numerous exercise videos, most famously the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series.

“My food plan and diet are just two words — common sense. With a dash of good humor,” Simmons told The Associated Press in 1982. “I want to help people and make the world a healthier, happy place.”

Simmons leveraged mass media to spread his message, often finding himself the subject of jokes for his distinctive outfits and energetic personality. He appeared on various TV shows, where his playful antics made him a memorable guest. However, he was also teased and mocked, notably by David Letterman and Howard Stern, among others.

Despite being often perceived as silly, Simmons emphasized a balance between humor and seriousness in motivating people. He once said, “Being silly cures depression. It catches people off guard and makes them think. But in between that silliness is a lot of seriousness that makes sense. It’s a different kind of training.”

His show was broadcast on 200 stations across the United States and internationally. His first book, “Never Say Diet,” became a best-seller. Simmons’ approach to fitness was inclusive, featuring regular people in his videos to make fitness goals seem attainable.

Notably, he supported individuals facing severe obesity challenges. Rosalie Bradford, once the world’s heaviest woman, and Michael Hebranko, who lost 700 pounds with Simmons’ guidance, were among those he counseled. Simmons staunchly opposed fad diets, advocating instead for balanced eating and regular exercise. “If you watch your portions and you have a good attitude and you work out every day you’ll live longer, feel better and look terrific,” he told the AP in 2005.

Simmons’ journey began in New Orleans, where he was born as Milton Simmons. He changed his name to Richard at around 10 years old to boost his self-esteem. Battling obesity as a child, Simmons often turned to food for comfort, believing his parents favored his older brother.

An anonymous letter he received as a young adult changed his life. The letter warned him about the health risks of obesity, prompting Simmons to take drastic measures to change his lifestyle. Although his initial efforts led to illness, he eventually developed a sustainable plan to maintain a healthy weight.

Over time, Simmons’ public appearances became rare, sparking rumors that ranged from health issues to being held captive in his home. He addressed these claims in interviews, assuring fans he was simply enjoying his time out of the spotlight. In 2017, a podcast titled “Missing Richard Simmons” launched by one of his former students, Dan Taberski, explored his sudden withdrawal from public life.

In 2022, after a prolonged absence, Simmons’ spokesperson informed the public he was “living the life he has chosen.”

Source: Associated Press