NEW YORK (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) — Legendary fitness guru Richard Simmons, who electrified the exercise space with his Los Angeles-based gym and aerobics videos in the 1970s and 1980s, has died at the age of 76.
The news, first reported by TMZ and confirmed by ABC News, comes one day after Simmons thanked fans on social media for the happy birthday wishes he was sent. He turned 76 on Friday.
“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,” Simmons wrote on X.
The Los Angeles Police Department responded to his home after his housekeeper found his body and dialed 911, ABC reported. It appears he died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected, police sources told ABC.
An eccentric weight-loss influencer known for his relentless positivity and flamboyant outfits, Simmons stepped back from public life a decade ago.
His death comes the same day as that of pioneering New York City sex therapist Dr. Ruth Westheimer. She was 96.