1980s fitness guru Richard Simmons, who hosted The Richard Simmons Show, has died, aged 76.
He died at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday, one day after his birthday.
On Friday, Simmons posted a message on social media thanking his fans for the birthday wishes.
“Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life!” Simmons wrote. “I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday.”
The energetic, frizzy-haired TV personality and fitness coach who made exercise accessible to millions and then became reclusive in recent years, made fitness popular through television shows and humour. His neon-hued, sequined exercise wear made him a kitsch icon, although he avoided discussing his sexuality.
In a 2012 interview with Men’s Health, he was quoted as saying, “When the king gets depressed, he doesn’t call for his wife or the cook. He turns to the little man with the pointed hat and says to the court jester ‘make me laugh’. And I am that court jester.”
The Richard Simmons Show, featured recipes, exercise routines and celebrity guests, from 1984 to 1989. He also sold millions of DVDs and visited Australia with several TV appearances.
In early 2017, the “Missing Richard Simmons” podcast, produced by a former friend, delved into his life and career history and tried to discover why he had completely retreated from the public view after living most of his life in the public eye. The podcast covered the stories that had circulated questioning whether he was suffering from depression or was possibly under the influence of his housekeeper. In response Simmons gave an audio interview on the Today Show, denying the rumours.
Source: Variety
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