Richard Simmons, the legendary fitness guru from the 1970s, died a day after celebrating his 76th birthday.
+ Moroccan influencer Kenza Layli crowned as world’s first Miss AI
+ Brazilian influencer spots snake at Disney park during stroll
Simmons used his social media last Friday (12) to thank fans for the loving messages he received for his birthday. His death was reported by TMZ, and according to police, he died of natural causes. In March, the fitness guru revealed he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
In a rare interview with People Magazine last week, Simmons said he felt “good” despite his age. “I’m grateful to be here, to be alive for another day. I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is helping people.”
Simmons was born in the French Quarter of New Orleans and weighed 268 kilograms when he graduated from high school, according to a biography on his website, which motivated him to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
After controlling his weight through healthy eating and exercise, he moved to Los Angeles in 1973 and opened his fitness studio, SLIMMONS, in Beverly Hills, where he continued teaching until 2013.
His success as an instructor led to appearances on local and national television programs. He launched his own nationally distributed series, The Richard Simmons Show, which lasted four years and won several Emmys, and his 65 fitness videos sold over 20 million copies.
Photo and video: Instagram @theweightsaint. This content was created with the help of AI and has been reviewed by the editorial team.
