Richard Simmons, Fitness Icon, Dead At 76
A slip-and-fall accident inside his Beverly Hills home’s bathroom Friday night caused the untimely death of iconic fitness guru Richard Simmons at age 76.
Richard Simmons’ housekeeper found him in an unresponsive condition Saturday morning and called the police shortly before 10 a.m.
Police and fire department first responders went to Simmons’ home and determined he died from natural causes with no foul play suspected.
Richard Simmons Makes His Way To Hollywood
Richard Simmons was born in 1948 in New Orleans and earned a bachelor’s in art from Florida State University before moving to Los Angeles in the 1970s. He died just a day after turning 76.
He worked as a waiter at a Beverly Hills restaurant when he had the idea to open a series of local gyms for people who aren’t in the best of shape.
An Inspiration For Others
Richard Simmons was never in awe-inspiring physical condition, unlike someone like Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone during his Rocky and Rambo days.
Simmons clearly was in good condition, but with a body that was more like those he sought to help get into better shape.
He looked more like those for whom he created his chain of gyms, which likely helped him market to a broad niche of office workers and other consumers.
Sweatin’ To The Oldies
Simmons emphasized combining healthful foods and good nutrition with regular exercise to promote healthy bodies and lifestyles.
His first gym, The Anatomy Asylum, was later renamed Slimmons and included a salad bar. That gym stayed open until 2016.
When VHS video tapes and then DVDs became the rage, Simmons recorded several hit fitness videos with popular titles, like Sweatin’ to the Oldies, Blast Off, Party Off the Pounds, and Pump and Sweat.
Richard Simmons Was A Popular Guest
He used paid programming to promote his popular fitness videos, especially “Sweatin’ to the Oldies,” which helped make Richard Simmons a household name.
He appeared on numerous TV talk shows and was a frequent guest on David Letterman’s hit shows Late Night with David Letterman and the Late Show with David Letterman.
Simmons also appeared on The Howard Stern Show several times and guest starred on many popular TV shows, like CHiPs, General Hospital, and Arrested Development.
A Flamboyant Public Persona
His flamboyant public persona, wardrobe, and way of talking led many to assume he was a gay icon, but Richard Simmons never publicly discussed his sexuality.
Simmons commonly wore a sequined tank top and shorts, which helped give him a unique look that combined his fitness background with a Hollywood vibe.
When a tabloid in 2016 reported Richard Simmons was transitioning to female and going by the name Fiona, he publicly denied the allegation and called it a “lie.”
Richard Simmons Will Be Missed
Richard Simmons was a prominent supporter of the LGBTQ community in California and across the nation.
The fitness icon inspired millions with his seemingly limitless energy and positive spirit. His legacy will endure because he broke a mold in a very difficult industry. There is a reason he was still looked on in such a positive light long after he had left the limelight.
Richard Simmons will, most definitely, be missed. We might not see a celebrity quite like him ever again.
Source: TMZ
