Richard Simmons death: Fans and celebrity pals pay tribute to TV fitness icon

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Supporters and companions of Richard Simmons are honoring the iconic television fitness coach following his passing at 76 years old.

The famous fitness expert passed away at his residence on July 13. According to TMZ, his maid called the authorities at around 10 a.m. Simmons was declared deceased when they arrived. The reason for his death is currently unknown and has not been disclosed.

The famous TV star, known for his successful workout videos called Sweatin' to the Oldies, recently turned 76. He took to social media to express his gratitude to fans for all the birthday wishes he received. In his post, he mentioned that he had never received so many birthday messages before and was currently responding to emails. He closed the message by wishing everyone a wonderful Friday.

After hearing about his death, numerous supporters and acquaintances of Simmons went on social platforms to honor the fitness expert.

The film and TV critic for the Chicago Sun-Times, Richard Roeper, mentioned on X that Richard Simmons talked a lot about exercise, diet, and, most importantly, being kind. Simmons had a positive influence on many people's lives, including mine. I am just one of the many TV personalities who were energized by his presence and happily embraced his eccentric hugs. May he rest in peace.

Ricki Lake, known for her role in Hairspray, uploaded a picture of herself with Simmons and TV host Maria Menounos. In the caption, she expressed her sadness over Simmons' passing, calling him a "super special human" and sharing her love for him. #richardsimmons #RIP.

TV and radio star Sally Jessy Raphael remembered her close friend on X, posting a picture of them together. She expressed her deep sadness at the passing of @theweightsaint, mentioning the many shows they did together and the great times they shared. She considered him a dear friend who touched the lives of many people throughout the years.

Actor Emerson Collins shared on X that he was saddened to hear about the passing of Richard Simmons. He described Simmons as a man who brought joy to his work and made it enjoyable for many people.

A while back, I requested a picture with him after we did a charity event. The photo turned out really funny, with the green room wall in the background. I decided to cut it out and create a silly story to go along with it," he wrote alongside a set of entertaining green-screen pictures of himself and Simmons.

Darren Demeterio, a former employee responsible for booking guests on the Late Show with David Letterman, went on X to talk about his interactions with Simmons during his frequent appearances on the TV program.

"When I was at Letterman, I always enjoyed it when Richard Simmons would appear," he wrote alongside an old photo of himself with Simmons. "He was always a fantastic guest, and what you saw was what you got. He was a gentle, cheerful, and kind person. This photo will always bring a smile to my face. Thank you Richard, may you rest in peace."

Simmons rose to fame in the 1980s after starting a fitness studio called The Anatomy Asylum in Los Angeles, which later became Slimmons. He gained popularity through appearances on various TV and radio programs such as the Late Show with David Letterman, The Howard Stern Show, General Hospital, The Larry Sanders Show, Arrested Development, and Whose Line Is It Anyway.

Yet, it was his collection of energetic aerobic videos that catapulted Simmons to fame.

Simmons had not been seen in public since 2014, so in 2016 he decided to break his silence and give an interview over the phone to Today to address the rumors that he might be held captive by his housekeeper.

The information about his passing came months after Simmons shared that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.

"I sat in the seat and he examined it closely with a magnifying mirror. He mentioned that he would need to remove a sample and examine it further. At that point, I started to feel anxious," the fitness expert shared on social media in March. "After about 20 minutes, he returned and delivered the news. 'You have cancer,' he said. I inquired about the type of cancer, and he responded, 'Basal cell carcinoma.' I jokingly asked him to refrain from using derogatory terms. He chuckled in response."

During the beginning of the year, Simmons publicly rejected a new movie based on his life featuring comedian Pauly Shore. He made it clear that he did not approve of the film and restated his wish to live a calm and tranquil life.