Richard Simmons gained plenty of fans with his energetic fitness videos, but he also blew viewers away with a special guest role on General Hospital .
The fitness instructor died just days after his 76th birthday . Police responded to a call from his housekeeper on Saturday evening, with Richard being pronounced dead at the scene. No foul play is expected at this time and police currently believe his cause of death was natural causes .
Richard shot to fame in the 70s and quickly began appearing on game shows thanks to his vibrant personality. It wasn't long before he was cast as himself on General Hospital.
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And it wasn't just a one-off for Richard. The star appeared in the soap opera from 1979 until 1982, teaching exercise classes at both the Campus Disco and the Community Sports Center.
He returned to Port Charles more than 20 years later to take part in the Nurses Ball, where he still managed to annoy Lucy Coe. During his time on General Hospital, Richard was known to respond to all of his fan mail as viewers would be desperate to know how to shed their extra weight.
Richard decided to retire from public life in 2014. Tributes have been pouring in for Richard online, with Nancy Sinatra writing on X: "We've lost Richard Simmons. To know Richard was to love him. He was one of the kindest people I ever met with a personality that lit up any room he entered, but with all of his upbeat humor and joy I always sensed a sadness about him. He was very special. Godspeed, dear friend."
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Pauly Shore said: "I just got word like everyone else that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed. I hope you’re at peace and twinkling up in the heavens. Please give my mother Mitzi and my father Sammy a big hug and a kiss for me. You’re one of a kind, Richard. An amazing life. An amazing story. They broke the dolphin shorts when they made you. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace."
William Shatner posted: "Condolences to the families of Dr. Ruth, Richard Simmons & my friend Shannen Doherty. A lot to take in for a weekend." Richard's brother Lenny Simmons also took to social media following his death.
He wrote: "Hello Everyone, I don’t want people to be sad about my brother. I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives. He truly cared about people. He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.
"So don’t be sad. Celebrate his life! He was very excited about all of the upcoming ventures he was working on. We are in shock. Please respect the family at this difficult time."
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