Richard Simmons has died. (Confirmed by a representative for Simmons, .) One of the most famous fitness gurus on the planet—and later, a figure of occasionally reclusive speculation—Simmons was best known for his line of exercise videos, and for a long string of extremely energetic media appearances.
With a public persona of nigh-unrelenting energy and cheer, Simmons went from being a successful gym owner to becoming an international celebrity across the 1970s and 1980s, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable fitness advocates on the planet. News of his death comes just one days after his most recent birthday. Simmons had just turned 76.
Simmons was open and frank about his struggles with his weight from an early age, often citing his earlier obesity as part of his journey toward an obsession with physical fitness. Dabbling in acting from an early age—he appeared in a couple of Fellini’s 1970s films, cast primarily for his weight—he put his focus in the ’70s on both his own fitness, and creating gyms that appealed to customers who weren’t physically fit. (A rarity in the Los Angeles of the era.
) An appearance on NBC reality show introduced the Simmons vibe to the world: High-energy, high volume, very funny, a little totalitarian. The immediate impression led to acting opportunities—he appeared on multiple episodes of —and a long and storied career in the world of late night talk. Hosts might perform irritation at Simmons’ antics (with Dave Letter.
