Richard Simmons, Famed Fitness Guru, Dead At 76

Richard Simmons , a fitness guru with an outsized personality and infectious energy, has died at the age of 76, according to a breaking report. Richard Simmons dominated the fitness space for decades, later shrinking away from the spotlight due to the public demands of being a celebrity.

TMZ obtained exclusive details regarding the death of Richard Simmons, who was found unresponsive in his Hollywood Hills home according to the report.

While the outlet learned that Simmons fell in a bathroom inside the home, it isn’t known if that’s how the housekeeper found him. So far, the cause of Simmons’ death has been ruled due to natural causes, although because of his celebrity status, local police are widening the investigation. Foul play is not suspected, however.

From TMZ :

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ … police and fire responded to a call from his housekeeper just before 10 AM Saturday and pronounced him dead at the scene. We’re told no foul play is suspected at this time, and cops are investigating it as a natural death.

Shockingly, RS posted multiple times on Facebook recently … including thanking fans for all the birthday wishes he received.

Simmons was born in New Orleans, Louisiana back in 1948 … later attending Florida State University where he got a Bachelor’s degree in art before he moved to Los Angeles in the ’70s.

Born Milton Teagle Simmons, the fitness star opened a series of gyms in the Los Angeles region before exploding in the world of at-home videos such as his popular Sweatin’ To The Oldies aerobic videos. He was also an actor, starring as himself in the long-running soap opera General Hospital.

In recent times, Simmons maintained a reclusive lifestyle but periodically used social media to interact with his loving fanbase and continue to promote positive messages.

Richard Simmons just celebrated his birthday yesterday (July 12). He was 76.

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Photo: Getty