Fans honour Richard Simmons’ ‘amazing’ legacy and impact following his passing

Richard Simmons, renowned for his vibrant contributions to fitness and television, has sadly passed away at the age of 76.

According to reports, Los Angeles police and fire departments responded to a Los Angeles house where a man was declared dead from natural causes.

His publicist Tom Estey confirmed Simmons’ passing in a statement issued to People, stating that “the world has truly lost an angel”.

After moving to Los Angeles in the 1970s, Simmons transformed his life and became a fitness guru, shedding 56kg and opening The Anatomy Asylum, later known as Slimmons.

His infectious enthusiasm and commitment to healthy living resonated through The Richard Simmons Show and his iconic Sweatin’ to the Oldies fitness videos, which became popular in the 1980s.

Beyond his exercise studios and fitness videos, Simmons was a regular presence on television, appearing on shows such as General Hospital and Late Night with David Letterman, while also voicing characters in animated series and starring in commercials.

As news of his passing spread, fans and those close to him reflected on his legacy of wellness and positivity that touched the lives of millions worldwide.

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.… pic.twitter.com/gM1650BWnK

— Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) July 13, 2024

Richard Simmons preached exercise, diet and most of all kindness. He positively impacted thousands and thousands of lives. I’m one of the hundreds and hundreds of TV people who basked in his energy and readily accepted those crazy hugs. Rest well. pic.twitter.com/rm7TOB9Wfp

— Richard Roeper (@RichardERoeper) July 13, 2024

I’ll never forget when Richard Simmons came to Bristol to shoot a This is SportsCenter spot. You would’ve thought God showed up. People were star struck. RIP to the legend. pic.twitter.com/YDIxI0BaCz

— Ashok Moore (@AshokMoore) July 13, 2024

My heart is broken with the loss of this super special human.
May he RIP. #richardsimmons
I loved him so so much. 💔 pic.twitter.com/pRBkpW41dW

— Ricki Lake (@RickiLake) July 13, 2024

RIP Richard Simmons

The Animated World loved you just as much as the world did. You were one of a kind and will be dearly missed. pic.twitter.com/uUyyD6oHtb

— TRAFON(s Backup Account) (@RiseFallNickBck) July 13, 2024

When I worked at Letterman I always looked forward to when Richard Simmons would come on. Always a great guest but more than that always what you saw was what you got. A sweet, positive, kind man. This picture will always make me laugh. Thanks Richard, Rest in Peace. pic.twitter.com/PKQmgC50aY

— Darren Demeterio (@DarrenDemeterio) July 13, 2024

Richard Simmons as he makes his way to the pearly gates. Sweat a little for him today. RIP pic.twitter.com/GW0FxYpvFF

— e-beth (@ebeth360) July 13, 2024

-with AP.