It’s hard to believe, but Richard Simmons, the fitness icon who brought joy and energy to millions, has passed away at the age of 76. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were inspired by his boundless enthusiasm and dedication to health and happiness.

According to TMZ, it was Simmons’ housekeeper who called authorities on Saturday, July 13, around 10:00 a.m. PST. When police arrived, they found him unresponsive, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. Early reports suggest his passing was natural, with no signs of foul play. It’s a somber reminder of the impact this beloved figure had on our lives.

Just the day before, on Friday, July 12, Richard was still active on social media, sharing heartfelt messages with his fans. In one post, he expressed his gratitude for the birthday wishes he’d received, writing, “Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard.” His words were a testament to the deep connection he had with his fans, even in his later years.

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A Fitness Icon and Pop Culture Legend

For many of us, Richard Simmons wasn’t just a fitness instructor—he was a cultural phenomenon. His career took off in the 1970s and 1980s, a time when aerobics and exercise were becoming mainstream. Simmons wasn’t just about working out; he was about spreading joy, laughter, and positivity. His energetic approach made fitness feel less like a chore and more like a party. And let’s not forget his iconic leotards and leg warmers—those outfits were as much a part of his charm as his motivational spirit.

Simmons’ popularity didn’t stop at workout videos. He became a household name thanks to his recurring role on General Hospital, where he played himself. He also made appearances on game shows like Win, Lose or Draw and Super Password. But in 2014, Richard stepped away from the spotlight, leaving fans wondering what had happened to their beloved fitness guru.

The Rumors That Swirled

As often happens with public figures, rumors began to spread about Richard’s disappearance. Some speculated that he was being held against his will by his housekeepers. These stories gained so much traction that Richard eventually decided to address them head-on. In a 2016 appearance on Today, he sat down with Savannah Guthrie and set the record straight. “No one is holding me in my house as a hostage,” he said with his usual humor and charm. “You know I do what I want to do as I’ve always done, so people should sort of just believe what I have to say because, like, I’m Richard Simmons!”

A Battle with Health Challenges

In March 2019, Simmons revealed a personal health battle that many didn’t know about. He had been diagnosed with skin cancer after noticing a blemish under his eye. In a candid post, he shared the details of his experience with his fans. “I sat in his chair and he looked at it through a magnifying mirror,” Simmons wrote. “He told me he would have to scrape it and put it under the microscope. Now I am getting a little bit nervous. He comes back about 20 minutes later and says the C word. You have cancer. I asked him what kind of cancer and he said. Basel Cell Carcinoma. I told him to stop calling me dirty names. He laughed.”

Despite the challenges, Richard’s optimism never wavered. After three attempts, doctors were finally able to remove the cancer successfully. In a follow-up post, he encouraged his followers to stay vigilant about their own health. “The reason I wrote these two messages is that if you see a spot on your body please go to your doctor … so they can diagnose it right away,” he wrote. “I guess I should be more careful about what I write about.”

A few days later, Richard gave Closer an exclusive update on his life and health. “I feel good. I have been through a lot,” he said. “But now all I see are beautiful bright rainbows. Say hello to your viewers for me and thank them for their concern.” His words were a testament to his resilience and his ability to find joy even in the toughest of times.