Renowned fitness enthusiast Richard Simmons, aged 76, passed away from natural causes at his Los Angeles residence.
In his final hours, Simmons shared a poignant quote from "Funny Girl," which significantly caught the attention of his followers, Mail Online reported.
Simmons' influence on health and wellness spanned over four decades, marked by his vibrant presence and Gothic series of exercise videos. His death on Saturday in Southern California was confirmed by both the Los Angeles police and fire departments, who responded to his home.
Simmons, known for his flamboyant personality and motivational impact, endured a private life enriched with public engagements for many years before choosing a life out of the spotlight. This decision followed significant public speculation about his whereabouts and wellbeing.
The public figure's legacy includes his popular TV show "The Richard Simmons Show" and his bestselling book "Never Say Diet," emphasizing a commonsense approach to diet and exercise. His philosophy always advocated for sustainable health habits rather than fleeting trends.
Simmons' career was not without its hardships. He was often the target of media ridicule, yet he maintained that his blend of humor and seriousness was vital in helping people change their lives for the better. His exercise program, "Sweatin' to the Oldies," brought fun into the fitness world and became a staple in many households.
"There's a time to be serious and a time to be silly... Being silly cures depression," Simmons once explained.
This approach helped him connect with and uplift a broad audience, many of whom credited him with their health transformations.
Despite his humorous exterior, Simmons was serious about making the world healthier. He said, "I want to help people and make the world a healthier, happy place."
Moments before his peaceful passing, Simmons posted a memorable line from the 1964 musical "Funny Girl" on social media: "Hello gorgeous! Please don't rain on my parade." The post, palpable with irony given the events that followed, stirred a wave of emotional responses from fans who noted the timing.
The quote, symbolic of his enduring optimism, now marks his final public sentiment, encapsulating a life that, despite challenges, was lived with unyielding vibrancy and a unique flair that endeared him to millions.
Simmons had been managing health issues openly, including a skin diagnosis made public in March 2024. His approach to personal challenges was always with the same candidness that characterized his public persona.
The news of Simmons' departure was met with heartfelt tributes from various celebrities, including Pauly Shore, who admired Simmons' distinctive character. "I hope you're at peace and twinkling up in the heavens. You're one of a kind, Richard. An amazing life. An income story," Shore expressed.
These accolades underscore the profound impact Simmons had not only on the fitness industry but also on the entertainment sector, transcending his role as merely a fitness coach to become a beloved cultural icon.
Simpson's approach to diet emphasized practicality and joy, often critiquing the absurdity of fad diets with a blend of humor and wisdom. "If you watch your portions and you have a good attitude and you work out every day, you'll live longer, feel better, and look terrific," he advised in 2005.
Richard Simmons' journey from a fitness guru to a reclusive figure has fascinated the public and media alike. After years of speculation about his absence from the public eye, Simmons disclosed that he enjoyed time alone, a stark contrast to his previously extroverted lifestyle.
In reflection of his life's work, the coroner retrieved Simmons' body from his LA home shortly after his passing. His influence, marked by an unmistakable blend of enthusiasm, empathy, and humor, is expected to live on as a beacon for healthy living for many years.
To summarize, Richard Simmons, an inspiring figure in the fitness world, left a lasting mark with his unique approach to health and happiness. From his impactful media productions and personal struggles with health to his introspective final years and his meaningful last words to the world, his story encapsulates a vibrant life dedicated to promoting wellbeing through joy and resilience.
