Pauly Shore Honors Fitness Guru Richard Simmons

Actor Pauly Shore has shared a touching tribute to Richard Simmons, following the death of the fitness guru on Saturday (13 July).

The TV personality, who rose to fame with his popular series of aerobic videos, Sweatin’ to the Oldies, passed away at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 76. His death occurred just one day after his birthday.

Emergency services arrived at Simmons’ residence around 10am after being contacted by his housekeeper. According to TMZ, Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene. His cause of death is not immediately known and has yet to be confirmed.

Shore, who is portraying Simmons in an upcoming biopic about his life, had previously revealed that he spent a sleepless night crying after Simmons expressed that he did not approve the making of the movie. Simmons distanced himself from the film, Court Jester, urging fans to watch his own productions instead.

“I just got word like everyone else that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed. I hope you’re at peace and twinkling up in the heavens,” wrote Shore.

“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.”

News of Simmons’ passing came after it was revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer in March. The iconic fitness star had just celebrated his birthday on Friday (12 July) and took to social media to thank his fans for their support.

“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,” read the post. “Love, Richard.”

Following the announcement of his passing, many of Simmons’ fans and friends took to social media to pay their respects to the beloved fitness guru.

Hairspray star Ricki Lake posted a photo of herself with Simmons and fellow TV show host Maria Menounos, captioned: “My heart is broken with the loss of this super special human. May he RIP. I loved him so so much.”

Television and radio personality Sally Jessy Raphael also paid tribute to her “dear friend” on X, captioning a photo of them together: “I am completely devastated at the loss of Richard Simmons. We’ve done so many shows together, shared so many laughs and hugs, and I considered him a dear friend who changed so many lives over the years.”

Actor Emerson Collins posted on X, “Saddened to hear of Richard Simmons’ passing, a man whose joy in what he did made it accessible to so many.”

Source: TMZ