actors & performers
Remembering Richard Simmons: Fitness Guru Dies at 76
The world of fitness and wellness mourns the loss of Richard Simmons, the iconic fitness guru, who passed away at the age of 76. His longtime publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed the news to PEOPLE, stating that Simmons died at his Los Angeles home one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. The initial report was made by TMZ, which noted that law enforcement responded to a call from a housekeeper on Saturday, July 13, and no foul play was suspected.
Estey expressed the profound impact Simmons had on the world, saying, “The world has truly lost an angel.” Despite retreating from the public eye since 2014, Simmons continued to connect with his fans through social media. His final posts were made on the morning of his passing and the day before, thanking fans for their birthday wishes and sharing his gratitude for life.
Richard Simmons
Born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Simmons had humble beginnings. He was the son of vaudeville performers and worked various odd jobs to support his family. As a child, Simmons struggled with his weight, reaching 270 lbs by the time he graduated high school. A pivotal moment came when he received an anonymous note on his car windshield, urging him to lose weight to avoid an early death. This led him to embark on a drastic and unhealthy weight loss journey that landed him in the hospital. Determined to find a sustainable path to health, Simmons moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s, where he delved into nutrition and fitness.
In 1975, Simmons opened Ruffage and Anatomy Asylum, a health food store and exercise studio that quickly gained popularity, attracting celebrities and launching Simmons into the spotlight. Over the next four decades, Simmons became a beloved fitness icon, known for his infectious energy and dedication to helping others. He released five bestselling books, produced over 50 workout videos, hosted weight loss cruises, and taught countless classes at his Slimmons studio in Beverly Hills.
Simmons’ vibrant personality and genuine compassion made him a fixture on talk shows and speaking tours. However, in early 2014, he stepped back from the public eye, citing the need to recover from a knee injury. His last public appearance was in January 2014, and he taught his final class at Slimmons in February of that year. Despite rampant speculation about his well-being, Simmons reassured fans in a 2016 interview with the Today show that he was in good health and simply taking time for himself.
“I do what I want to do as I’ve always done,” Simmons said. “I’ve taught, like, thousands and thousands of classes and, you know, right now I just want to sort of just take care of me. I just really don’t want to do anything. I just don’t want to be traveling anymore. It certainly has taken its toll on me.”
Richard Simmons’ legacy is one of inspiration, perseverance, and unwavering dedication to helping others achieve their fitness goals. His impact on the fitness world and the lives of countless individuals will be remembered and cherished. As we reflect on his life, we celebrate the joy and positivity he brought to so many and honor his enduring spirit.
Link related to story: https://people.com/richard-simmons-dead-76-7503091
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at [insert website URL] and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
and let your entertainment journey begin!