Fitness icon Richard Simmons dies at 76

LOS ANGELES (Gray News) – Richard Simmons, the legendary fitness instructor, has died at the age of 76, multiple outlets are reporting.

Simmons was reportedly found by his housekeeper just before 10 a.m. Saturday at his Los Angeles-area home.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders, ABC News reported.

Authorities shared that the 76-year-old appeared to have died of natural causes with no foul play expected.

Simmons was known for his uplifting personality and aerobic exercise videos, including 1988’s “Sweatin’ to the Oldies.”

Asked if he thought he could motivate people by being silly, Simmons answered, “I think there’s a time to be serious and a time to be silly. It’s knowing when to do it. I try to have a nice combination. Being silly cures depression. It catches people off guard and makes them think. But in between that silliness is a lot of seriousness that makes sense. It’s a different kind of training.”

Simmons’ Emmy-winning daytime “Richard Simmons Show,” was seen on 200 stations in America, as well as in Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Japan and South America. His first book, “Never Say Diet,” was a smash bestseller.

He just celebrated his 76th birthday on Friday — thanking his fans for the well wishes he received on social media.

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