Richard Simmons’ brother breaks his silence on the beloved fitness guru’s death

As fans and loved ones grapple with the loss of Richard Simmons, the fitness guru’s brother has addressed his passing, urging everyone to “celebrate his life” rather than be consumed by sadness.

Simmons sadly passed away on Saturday, July 13 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.

Now his brother, Lenny Simmons, has spoken about his tragic death and the legacy he leaves behind.

“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” he told People.

“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.”

In addition to his brother’s moving words, fans from across the globe rushed to pay tribute to Simmons as news of his passing broke.

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 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

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

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

Fans certainly have a great deal to celebrate when it comes to Simmons’ life and his legacy of wellness and positivity that touched the lives of millions worldwide.

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.