Famous fitness instructor Richard Simmons dies

Famous fitness presenter Richard Simmons has died aged 76.

Simmons was found unresponsive at his home in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles, California, two police sources told NBC News – the US partner of Sky News.

He was found on Saturday, a day after his 76th birthday.

US news site TMZ reported police were treating his death as being from natural causes.

On Friday Simmons shared a message on social media thanking fans for their birthday wishes: “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.”

Simmons was an instructor and motivator for over 40 years before leaving the public eye.

Earlier this year he revealed he had been diagnosed with skin cancer in a series of social media posts.

Known for his trademark enthusiasm and humour, Simmons was one of the pioneers in the fitness world.

He starred in 65 fitness videos, which sold more than 20 million copies according to his website.

He also had his own TV show, The Richard Simmons Show, which ran for four years and received several Emmy Awards.

Throughout his career he was a critic of fad diets and emphasised healthy eating and exercise plans.

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Earlier this year Simmons spoke out against a biopic being made about his life starring actor and comedian Pauly Shore as Simmons.

“I just got word like everyone else that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed. I hope you’re at peace and twinkling up in the heaven,” Shore tweeted.

“You’re one of a kind, Richard. An amazing life. An amazing story. They broke the dolphin shorts when they made you. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace.”