Richard Simmons, the TV aerobics king who built a mini-empire by encouraging overweight people to exercise and eat better, died Saturday. He had been 76 since Friday.
Los Angeles police and fire officials said they responded to a Los Angeles home where a man was pronounced dead of natural causes. Neither department provided a name, but The Associated Press found Mr. Simmons’ address and age in public records.
TMZ was first to report his death, which was also reported by other outlets citing unnamed representatives for Simmons.
Simmons, who revealed he was diagnosed with skin cancer in March 2024, recently disappeared from view, sparking speculation about his health and well-being.
Mr. Simmons was a former 268-pound teenager who shared his weight-loss tips as host of the show Richard Simmons Showan Emmy award-winning author. He has also authored popular books and the Deal-A-Meal diet plan in addition to opening fitness studios. He has also starred in numerous fitness videos, including the hit series Sweatin’ to the Oldies.
“My diet and my diet can be summed up in two words: common sense. With a pinch of good humor,” he told The Associated Press in 1982. “I want to help people and make the world a healthier, happier place.”
In 2022, Simmons broke a years-long silence by telling the New York Postthrough his spokesman, that he was “living the life he chose.”