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Eccentric fitness icon Richard Simmons dies at 76: report

(NewsNation) — Richard Simmons, the legendary fitness instructor that reached massive celebrity status, has died at the age of 76, according to TMZ.

Simmons was found by his housekeeper just before 10 a.m. Saturday, TMZ reports. He was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency responders.


The outlet reports that police viewed his death as “natural.”

He celebrated his 76th birthday on Friday. On X, formerly Twitter, he thanked fans for the well wishes.

“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,” Simmons wrote.

In March, Simmons announced he was diagnosed with skin cancer after finding a bump under his right eye. As of Saturday, there was no word as to whether that contributed to his reported death.

Born and raised in Louisiana, Simmons moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s. There, he began to pursue his career as a fitness instructor.

This is an ongoing report. Check back for updates.