Legendary fitness instructor Richard Simmons has passed away, according to reports.
Simmons, who celebrated his 76th birthday on Friday, passed away just 24 hours after thanking fans for their birthday wishes on social media.
The health guru, who retired from public life a decade ago, rose to fame in the 1970s and ’80s after opening several gyms around the country and releasing his iconic High Energy Fitness tape.
His death was first reported by TMZ, with police telling the outlet they believe he died of natural causes.
Simmons revealed that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer in March.
In a rare interview with People magazine this week, he said he’s “feeling good” despite his age. “I’m grateful to be here and to be alive another day,” he said. “I’m going to spend my birthday helping people, like I do every day.”
The star of “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” Announced earlier this year He was set to produce a Broadway musical with famed producer and composer Patrick Leonard.
Simmons was beloved, and often parodied, for her flamboyant, positive attitude that helped guide millions of Americans to better health for decades.
He is the author of nine books, including the New York Times bestseller “Never Say Diet.”
Simmons was born in the French Quarter of New Orleans and graduated from high school weighing 268 pounds, which led him to decide to get healthy. According to his website biography:.
After controlling his weight through healthy eating and exercise, he moved to Los Angeles in 1973 and opened a fitness studio, SLIMMONS, in Beverly Hills, where he continued to teach classes until 2013.
His success as an instructor and his bubbly personality led him to appear on local and then national television shows.
He launched his own nationally syndicated series, The Richard Simmons Show, which ran for four years and won multiple Emmy Awards.
Simmons’ 65 fitness videos have sold more than 20 million copies. After announcing his cancer diagnosis, he urged his followers on social media to “live life to the fullest, every day. Wake up in the morning and look up to the sky… Count your blessings and enjoy them.”
He ended with some tips for living a healthy lifestyle, including enjoying dessert “every once in a while.” “There’s one other thing that’s really important that you have to do,” he added. “Tell the people you love that you love them. Hug the people you really care about, hug your kids. A big hug really goes a long way.”
