Fitness guru Richard Simmons dies at 76 on Saturday.
He built an empire in his trademark tank tops and short shorts by encouraging overweight people to eat right and exercise.
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Simmons died at home in Los Angeles, his publicist Tom Estey, told The Associated Press via email. No more details.
Simmons was diagnosed with a skin condition in March 2024 and disappeared, sparking concerns about his health.
Simmons was a former 268-pound teen who became a master of many media forms, hosting the Emmy-winning daytime “Richard Simmons Show” and writing best-selling books and Deal-A-Meal.
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He opened exercise studios and starred in hit videos like “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.”
“My food plan and diet are just two words—common sense. With a dash of good humor,” he told The Associated Press in 1982. “I want to help people and make the world a healthier, happier place.”
Simmons used mass media to spread his message, even though his extravagant clothing and flashy style eventually made him the target of jokes.
He was a popular guest on TV programs hosted by Phil Donahue, Mike Douglas, and Merv Griffin. But Howard Stern would tease him until he cried, and David Letterman would play practical jokes on him.
In Neil Simon’s 1993 Broadway production of “The Goodbye Girl,” he was made fun of, and Eddie Murphy dressed up as him in “The Nutty Professor,” wearing white makeup and yelling, “I’m a pony!”
“I think there’s a time to be serious and a time to be silly,” Simmons said in response to a question about whether he believed he could inspire people by acting goofy. Knowing when to act is key.