Richard Simmons, fitness guru and TV personality, dead at 76

Richard Simmons, the fitness guru whose flamboyant personality and infectious energy made him a mainstay of television talk shows and infomercials for years, was found dead at his Hollywood Hills home today, one day after his 76th birthday.

Simmons’ death was first reported by TMZ.

Authorities were dispatched at 9:55 a.m. Saturday to 1350 Belfast Drive in Hollywood Hills West on a call of a cardiac arrest/suspected death, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. They did not transport anyone to a hospital.

The department described it as a “natural death” and said the decedent was 76 years old.

Simmons celebrated his 76th birthday Friday, relayed in a lengthy post on Facebook.

“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,” he posted in a follow-up message Friday.

After spending years as a ubiquitous figure on television, Simmons has retreated from public appearances in recent years amid rampant speculation about his health. He was hospitalized at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in 2017 for what was reported to be a gastrointestinal problem.

But he told People this week that he felt good as he prepared for his birthday.

“I feel good! I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day. I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people,” he said.

Born in New Orleans, Simmons moved to Southern California in the 1970s, working as a maitre d in Beverly Hills before opening his first gym in that city, called Slimmons. It was closed in 2016.

His career took off via his burgeoning appearances on television, as a guest on daytime and late-night talk shows and as the host of his own shows, “Slim Cookin” and “The Richard Simmons Show.”

He made numerous appearances on “Late Night With David Letterman,” where he was often the butt of jokes from the host that made reference to his perceived homosexuality.

He made a fortune producing home-exercise videos during the VHS boom of the 1980s, most famously with his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” series.

Simmons was also a brand spokesman for several products, including Sprint, Yoplait, and Herbal Essence shampoo.

Comedian and actor Pauly Shore has been attached to a biopic in which he would portray Simmons, but its subject was reportedly not on board with the project.

“I just read that a man that I don’t know is writing my bio pic starring Pauly Shore,” Simmons posted on social media in April. “I do not approve this movie. I am in talks with major studios to create my own biopic with some help. Wait for this movie.”

And just four days ago, Simmons posted the following message on his Facebook page: “Getting closer to telling my story in my own words. I’m so excited!”