Richard Simmons, the iconic fitness guru, was laid to rest at a private funeral in Los Angeles surrounded by family and close friends. Simmons passed away at the age of 76 at his home in Los Angeles, one day after his birthday. The cause of his death is still under investigation, and no foul play is suspected.
Simmons’ longtime publicist, Tom Estey, shared a statement from Simmons’ brother, Lenny Simmons, expressing gratitude for the love and support during this difficult time. Simmons was known for his eccentric personality and became a staple in the fitness industry in the ’80s with his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos.
In a recent interview with People magazine, Simmons expressed his gratitude for being alive after his skin cancer diagnosis. He had plans to celebrate his birthday by helping others, as he always did. Earlier this year, Simmons revealed his battle with skin cancer on Facebook, causing concern among fans with a post that was meant to be inspirational.
Simmons first rose to fame in the late 1970s with “The Richard Simmons Show” and his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos. He was beloved for his upbeat personality and ability to connect with people looking to improve their fitness. Simmons won two Daytime Emmys for his show and was a familiar face on game shows and late-night TV.
Despite stepping away from the spotlight a decade ago, Simmons remained a beloved figure in the fitness world. His impact on the industry and the lives of those he touched will always be remembered. Rest in peace, Richard Simmons.