Only one day after Richard Simmons celebrated his 76th birthday, the legendary fitness guru was found dead on July 13 in his Hollywood Hills home.
And, hours before his death, the “court jester of physical fitness” – who proudly wore too short shorts and sparkly tank tops – shared a haunting last message on social media.
Keep reading to learn more about Simmons’ death.
New Orleans-born Richard Simmons grew up “where lard was a food group and dessert mandatory.”
On his website, Simmons shares that when he graduated high school, he tipped the scale at 268 pounds.
The site shares, “After trying everything from bizarre diets to laxatives,” Simmons, born in 1948, “took control of his weight by adopting a lifestyle of balance, moderate eating and exercise.”
After trimming down to about 150 pounds, the 5-foot-7 man moved to Beverly Hills and inspired celebrity patrons – like Paul Newman, Barbra Streisand and Dustin Hoffman – to get fit at his exercise studio, Slimmons (formerly Anatomy Asylum).
More than 3 million pounds lost
And through the 1980’s, the high-energy man reached paramount success with his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” aerobic series, which became the most popular videos of the decade.
At his peak, hyperactive fitness guru – who had a regular role on the soap opera General Hospital – built a mini empire by using his unrelenting positivity to motivate overweight people to exercise and eat better.
Simmons “helped millions of overweight men and women lose more than 3,000,000 pounds by adopting sensible, balanced eating programs and exercise regimes that are energetic, fun and motivating.”
Out of the spotlight
In 2014, Simmons stepped away from the spotlight and taught his last class at Slimmons the same year. Two years later, the author of “Never Say Diet” shuttered his iconic studio.
“It has been an amazing part of my life to teach, meet and support people from all over the world. I want to thank everyone who has come through those studio doors to laugh, cry and sweat with me!” writes the man, known for his trademark short shorts and Swarovski crystal-studded tank tops.
Final days
On July 12, 2024, Simmons – still living out of the spotlight but very vocal on social media – reached out to his devoted fans, expressing his gratitude for the birthday wishes.
Sharing a lengthy story, where he talks about his family and past birthdays, the flamboyant fitness personality writes on his 76th birthday, “Enclosed in this message is a picture of me turning one. My mom never baked our birthday cakes. She bought them from different bakeries. One year I had a birthday cake that was…well not my style.”
The post continues, “It was a chocolate cake with cowboys and Indians fighting each other. There was green icing made to look like grass and a white Pickett fence around the whole cake. Maybe it had a message, but I didn’t get it.”
Then, on July 13, he shared two final social media posts.
“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 again writes of the outpouring of birthday love that he received.
Simmons last message says, “Hello gorgeous! Please don’t rain on my parade.”
‘Celebrate his life’
ABC News reports that on July 13, Los Angeles Police Department received a call from Simmon’s housekeeper, who found the star dead in his Hollywood Hills home.
On the same day, Lenny Simmons shared a post with his brothers Facebook fans.
“Hello Everyone, I don’t want people to be sad about my brother. I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.
So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life!” Reflecting on his brother’s legacy, Lenny continues, “We are in shock. Please respect the family at this difficult time.”
Several sources suggest that Simmons died of natural causes.
Please share your thoughts and memories of the fitness personality who inspired millions of people across the globe.
Rest in peace, Richard Simmons.
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