Richard Simmons Passes Away at 76

Richard Simmons, the beloved fitness personality, has passed away at the age of 76. According to TMZ, Simmons died at his home, where police and fire crews responded to an emergency call made by his housekeeper on Saturday.

Law enforcement sources have indicated that no foul play is suspected in Simmons’ death, and it is being treated as a natural one. Although a specific cause of death has not been disclosed, Simmons had previously announced a cancer diagnosis earlier in 2024.

In recent years, Simmons had been largely absent from the public eye, with his last public appearance being in 2014. His reclusiveness led to widespread speculation and concern among fans and media alike. The panic escalated after the popular podcast “Missing Richard Simmons” brought renewed attention to his absence, prompting the LAPD to conduct a welfare check at his residence.

“There was something about his housekeeper holding him hostage and not allowing people to see him and preventing him from making phone calls, and it was all garbage, and that’s why we went out to see him,” said LAPD detective Kevin Becker at the time. “None of it is true. The fact of the matter is, we went out and talked to him, he is fine, nobody is holding him hostage. He is doing exactly what he wants to do. If he wants to go out in public or see anybody, he will do that.”

The detective concluded, “He is perfectly fine and he is very happy. I don’t know what he is going to do, but right now he is doing what he wants to do and it is his business.”

Simmons rose to fame in the 1970s and became a cultural icon with his infectious enthusiasm for fitness and healthy living. His workout videos, including the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series, were massive hits and helped countless people embrace a healthier lifestyle.

While he had receded from the public eye in recent years, the impact Richard Simmons had on the world of fitness and those who followed him remains undeniable. His legacy continues to inspire many, and his presence will be deeply missed by fans and the broader fitness community.

Source: TMZ, LAPD detective Kevin Becker