Richard Simmons Cause Of Death Released By Brother

Richard Simmons’ death was announced shortly after his body was discovered on July 13 by his housekeeper. Simmons had just recently celebrated his 76th birthday.

The official cause of Richard Simmons’ death was never suspected to be foul play, according to statements released by the Los Angeles Police Department. But in order to determine his cause of death, an autopsy and toxicology report were necessary tools that factored into the coroner’s final determination.

Several days before Richard Simmons’ unexpected death, he granted an exclusive interview to People. During that conversation, the long-time exercise advocate joked about how his upcoming birthday would likely include a candle set inside a zucchini, a testament to the sense of humor he was well known for.

Richard Simmons was a cultural icon in the decades leading up to his death earlier this summer. Though most known for his best-selling Sweatin’ to the Oldies video workout series, Simmons had a successful history in that vein and produced and starred in more than 50 different videos. Simmons used infomercials like no one ever before and used that medium to sell more than 20 million copies of his Sweatin’ to the Oldies series alone.

Simmons also hosted two television series during the 1980s, but it was his flamboyant character and quick wit that he presented as a guest on late-night talk shows that put him in the spotlight with mainstream American audiences. Late Night with David Letterman, Regis and Kathy Lee, and countless appearances during the televised airings of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade made him a TV staple throughout the 1980s and 90s.

Richard Simmons was also a prolific writer before his death. Simmons authored nearly 20 books, ranging from motivation to fitness and exercise guides to cookbooks. Various CDs featuring music compilations selected by Simmons also flew off the shelves over the years as his fans popped them into players for additional inspiration while they worked out.

Richard Simmons was also a staple as a special guest star on the daytime game shows during his peak years. Appearances on Win, Lose, or Draw, Super Password, Match Game, and Hollywood Squares are but a few examples of shows that featured his hilarious antics. The late entertainer also lent his voice to episodes of the hit Nickelodeon animated series Rocko’s Modern Life.

Lenny Simmons was adamant in his published statement that the Simmons family did not wish for anyone to be sad over Richard Simmons’ death. Rather, he insisted that people remember the joy that his brother brought into their lives.

Sources: People