Richard Simmons, a familiar face and name on U.S. television screens for decades promoting fitness and weight loss has died. He was 76.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office confirmed to Scripps News Simmons died at his home on Saturday, but no other significant details were made available by Sunday afternoon.
Police sources told outlets that Simmons' housekeeper reportedly called emergency services to his home on Saturday morning where he was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities didn't immediately suspect that any foul play was involved.
One of Simmons’ last known messages to fans was on social media where he thanked them for wishing him a happy birthday, which he celebrated on July 12.
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Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Simmons grew up in the French Quarter where he spent the first 18 years of his life, the Historic New Orleans Collection museumwrote in a story of his life. He was born in Touro Hospital on July 12, 1948 — raised by his mother Shirley, a dancer, and his father Leonard, an emcee. Both met performing in clubs around New Orleans.
He shared a room with his brother Leonard Jr., the museum wrote.
In 1974 he opened a workout studio in Beverly Hills, California he called Slimmons that catered to people who might have felt more shy working out around people who were already fit, according to one account on IMDB.
Simmons would go on to become a household name, selling fitness products and promoting a healthy, active and positive lifestyle.
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Simmons was an actor, with a body of work that included a four-year stint on the popular soap opera General Hospital.
He told the Associated Press in 1982, "“I want to help people and make the world a healthier, happy place.”
Simmons was a master at using mass media to get his message of positivity and fitness to his fans, while promoting his brand. He was a frequent guest on popular television shows including those hosted by Mike Douglas, Phil Donahue and Merv Griffin. He was loved, but often mocked like when Eddie Murphy wore white makeup, dressing in Simmons' iconic flamboyant style shouting “I’m a pony!” in his movie “The Nutty Professor.”
Simmons' famous "Deal a Meal" gamified diet plan product is still sold at popular retailers like Amazon. He was a master marketer selling his products on television infomercials and home shopping channels like QVC.
Simmons’ exact cause of death had not been confirmed by Sunday afternoon.