Fitness Guru Richard Simmons Dies A Day After Celebrating 76th Birthday, Tributes Pour In

Richard Simmons, legendary fitness guru, died a day after celebrating his 76th birthday, TMZ reported citing law enforecement sources. On Friday, he thanked his followers for all 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,” the fitness coach wrote on X, platform formerly known as Twitter.

Simmons rose to fame in the 1970s and ’80s when he opened a series of gymps including The Anatomy Asylum in Los Angeles. He released dozens of fitness tapes and DVDs too. Fans were shocked by Richard Simmons’s sudden death.

“Rest in peace Richard Simmons. Not only was he a beacon of body positivity, he was also responsible for one the funniest moments ever put on television,” one social media user wrote.

“Richard Simmons seemed to have been looking forward to a future where he could tell his own story. Now we may never know – other than what we saw. He changed lives with his genuine care and kindness. Not towards some – but ALL,” another one added.

“Not Richard Simmons!! LAWD, NO!” a third person tweeted.

On his birthday on Friday, Simmons told PEOPLE that he’ll blow a candle or two. “But the candle will probably be on a zucchini. You know, I’m a vegetarian.”

“I feel good! I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day. I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people,” he further added.