Richard Simmons has died: the fitness legend passed away at the age of 76
15 july 2024 в 18:50
Richard Simmons has passed away. The death of the fitness icon was announced by the Los Angeles Police Department on Saturday, July 13. For many, Richard was synonymous with health and personal well-being. He became famous thanks to a popular series of fitness video lessons. In addition to videotapes, he also opened gyms and often appeared on television and other media.
According to ABC News, Richard’s housekeeper allegedly called 911 when he was found dead in bed on Saturday. No criminal activity is suspected, and it is believed that he died of natural causes. He was 76 years old and had just celebrated his birthday on Friday.
Born in New Orleans in 1948 as Milton Teagle Simmons, Richard was overweight as a child, also showing an interest in show business. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s and became interested in fitness while working in a restaurant. He noticed that many gyms focused only on visitors who were already in shape, and opened his own gym, eventually known as «Slimmons», - where he encouraged participants of all levels to join him.
Richard became well-known soon after appearing on the documentary series «Real People». This appearance led to roles and guest appearances on various shows. For many years, he also made many appearances as himself and was often a guest on talk shows. In the 1980s, he began releasing a popular series of fitness lessons called «Sweatin' to the Oldies». He also starred in his own TV show, which earned him an Emmy award from 1980 to 1984. Richard was widely popular due to his energetic personality and colorful sportswear. His charisma was a key element of the success of his fitness lessons.
The fitness guru was very private about his personal life. For many years, fans speculated about his sexual orientation, but he never discussed his sexual orientation. Richard later withdrew from public life after 2014. His absence from public events later led to some speculation and conspiracy theories about where he was, but from time to time he made statements to reassure fans that he was okay and just wanted to live in seclusion.
Earlier in 2024, Richard made a rare public statement to speak out against the filming of a biographical film about his life starring Pauly Shore. «You may have heard that they are planning to make a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I never gave permission for this film. So don’t believe everything you read», - he said on social media. «I'm just trying to live a peaceful life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support»
According to ABC News, Richard’s housekeeper allegedly called 911 when he was found dead in bed on Saturday. No criminal activity is suspected, and it is believed that he died of natural causes. He was 76 years old and had just celebrated his birthday on Friday.
Born in New Orleans in 1948 as Milton Teagle Simmons, Richard was overweight as a child, also showing an interest in show business. He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s and became interested in fitness while working in a restaurant. He noticed that many gyms focused only on visitors who were already in shape, and opened his own gym, eventually known as «Slimmons», - where he encouraged participants of all levels to join him.
Richard became well-known soon after appearing on the documentary series «Real People». This appearance led to roles and guest appearances on various shows. For many years, he also made many appearances as himself and was often a guest on talk shows. In the 1980s, he began releasing a popular series of fitness lessons called «Sweatin' to the Oldies». He also starred in his own TV show, which earned him an Emmy award from 1980 to 1984. Richard was widely popular due to his energetic personality and colorful sportswear. His charisma was a key element of the success of his fitness lessons.
The fitness guru was very private about his personal life. For many years, fans speculated about his sexual orientation, but he never discussed his sexual orientation. Richard later withdrew from public life after 2014. His absence from public events later led to some speculation and conspiracy theories about where he was, but from time to time he made statements to reassure fans that he was okay and just wanted to live in seclusion.
Earlier in 2024, Richard made a rare public statement to speak out against the filming of a biographical film about his life starring Pauly Shore. «You may have heard that they are planning to make a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I never gave permission for this film. So don’t believe everything you read», - he said on social media. «I'm just trying to live a peaceful life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support»
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
