Richard Simmons: Fitness Icon of Sweatin' to the Oldies Dies at 76

Richard Simmons was an American fitness personality known for his flamboyant sequined outfits, boundless energy and encouragement of people trying to lose weight. Born Milton Teagle Simmons on July 12, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he said he lost more than 100 pounds and kept it off for decades.

Simmons opened the Beverly Hills exercise studio Slimmons and hosted the daytime show The Richard Simmons Show (1980-1984), which won several Emmys. His Sweatin' to the Oldies videos made aerobics popular in millions of homes. He was a frequent guest on talk shows and appeared on General Hospital, and voiced characters in animated projects.

Simmons campaigned for non-competitive physical education in schools. He withdrew from public life in 2014. He died at his home in Los Angeles on July 13, 2024, at age 76, a day after his birthday. The medical examiner ruled the death an accident, from complications of a fall, with heart disease as a contributing factor.

Achievements: The Richard Simmons Show (1980-1984, Emmy winner), Sweatin' to the Oldies videos, founded Slimmons.

Birth: July 12, 1948 - New Orleans, Louisiana.

Profession: Fitness instructor and television personality.

Interesting Facts: He appeared in Fellini's Satyricon (1969) early in his career. He had a memorable 2000 appearance on David Letterman's show involving a fire extinguisher.