Richard Simmons, the colorful fitness guru who turned aerobics dance and positivity into decades of fame, died Saturday, law enforcement sources said. He is 76 years old.
Sources told The Times that Simmons was found in his home and there was no evidence of foul play.
Simmons specialized in helping obese people lose weight, starting in a Los Angeles fitness studio and eventually appearing on television shows, including a popular appearance on “General Hospital.”
In his biography, he said his struggle with being overweight inspired him to help others.
Over the years, he has hosted various shows, produced fitness videos, and even owned a chain of fitness studios. He has been appearing regularly in movies and TV shows.
Simmons has become an object of fascination in recent years, but some people don’t want him. He has withdrawn from public view, and some are concerned about his health.
In 2017, the “Missing Richard Simmons” podcast revisited the speculation behind Simmons’ welfare, although he refuted many of the rumors.
In March, he revealed he had been diagnosed with skin cancer and underwent treatment to remove the cancer cells. In two Facebook posts, Simmons detailed “a weird-looking lump under my right eye.”
