Richard Simmons, known for getting people to exercise to “Sweatin’ to the Oldies,” has died.
He was 76.
Simmons died at his Los Angeles home the day after his birthday, per People. TMZ was first to report the news on Saturday with law enforcement as its source. No foul play was suspected; authorities responded to a call from a housekeeper at around 10 a.m. PT Saturday.
“The world has truly lost an angel,” his publicist Tom Estey said.
Simmons had not been seen in public since 2014, People reported.
He recently posted on Facebook about the birthday wishes he received.
“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 wrote.
Simmons recently spoke to People about his 76th birthday, in a story published on Friday. He said he planned to blow out a few candles for the occasion.
“But the candle will probably be on a zucchini. You know, I’m a vegetarian,” he said.
He also he was grateful for turning 76.
“I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day,” he said. “I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”
Simmons was born on July 12, 1948, and was raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans.
He was overweight as a child and was prompted to lose the weight when he received a note on his car windshield.
“Fat people die young; please don’t die,” the note said.
He did lose 112 lbs. through an unhealthy diet that resulted in his kidneys malfunctioning.
In 1975, he opened a health food store/exercise studio called Ruffage and Anatomy Asylum. The two were a success.
Simmons became a pop culture fitness icon. He released five bestselling books, produced more than 50 workout videos, hosted weight loss cruises and taught classes at his Slimmons studio in Beverly Hills.
He stepped away from the spotlight in 2014, citing a knee injury. The Slimmons closed in 2016.
He was never seen in public again.
He resurfaced via a telephone call to “Today” in March 2016.
He said was in good health and not being held at his home against his will, contrary to rumors.
“I do what I want to do as I’ve always done,” he said during the call. “I’ve taught, like, thousands and thousands of classes and, you know, right now I just want to sort of just take care of me. I just really don’t want to do anything. I just don’t want to be traveling anymore. It certainly has taken its toll on me.”
“You haven’t seen the last of me. I’ll come back and I’ll come back strong,” he said.
