Richard Simmons, renowned for inspiring overweight individuals to get active and adopt healthier eating habits, passed away on Saturday.
Simmons, famous for his vibrant tank tops and short shorts, brought boundless energy to television as the lively court jester of physical fitness. He turned 76 on Friday.
According to an email from Richard Simmons’ publicist Tom Estey to The Associated Press, the fitness guru passed away at his Los Angeles home. “We lost an Angel today – a true Angel,” Estey said.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a 911 call from Richard Simmons’ home on Belfast Drive and arrived at 9:57 a.m. on Saturday.
“Upon arrival, one rescue ambulance discovered a 76-year-old male who was pronounced deceased on-scene by firefighter/paramedics due to apparent natural causes.
“As a result, no hospital transport was necessary,” LAFD Captain Erik Scott said.
Just two days before his passing, Richard contemplated his aspirations for his legacy.
“I never thought of myself as a celebrity. People don’t know this – I’m really a shy person and a little bit of an introvert,” he told People.
“But when that curtain goes up that’s a different story. I’m there to make people happy.
“But the accolades I get from emails. I mean, today most probably, we’ll answer over 100 emails.
“And they’ll say, ‘I’m your No1 fan’, and I just write back, and I say, you know, ‘Don’t say that because I’m a human being just like you. And I know that you do good things, too.’”
Simmons’ brother, Lenny Simmons, confirmed the death in a statement.
“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” Lenny Simmons said. “I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives.”
“We are in shock,” Lenny added. “Please respect the family at this difficult time.”Tom Estey, Simmons’ longtime publicist, said in a statement, “Today the World lost an Angel.”
A day before his sudden passing, Simmons celebrated his 76th birthday and took to the social media to thank everyone for the birthday wishes.
“Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life!” Simmons wrote. “I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday.”
He signed the post “Love, Richard.”
Simmons, who grew up in New Orleans, battled weight issues from a young age, tipping the scales at nearly 200 pounds by age 15. By the time he graduated from high school, he weighed 268 pounds, as documented on his website.
From 1980 to 1984, he hosted the Richard Simmons Show that focused on personal health and fitness.
He also gained fame through his aerobic exercise videos, such as 1988’s Sweatin’ to the Oldies and its sequels in 1990 and 1991.
Simmons expanded his early success with frequent appearances on various TV shows, ranging from The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson to game shows like Match Game and The New Hollywood Squares. He became a staple of late-night television during the ’90s and 2000s, appearing on shows hosted by Jay Leno and David Letterman.
Throughout the years, Simmons sold millions of workout videos. He owned a Beverly Hills exercise studio and restaurant frequented by celebrities like Barbra Streisand and Paul Newman.
Following his recent withdrawal from public life, during which he disclosed a skin illness in March 2024, speculation about Simmons’ health and well-being had circulated. His death was initially reported by TMZ.
We are so very sorry for this loss. May he rest in peace.
Kevin Costner, 67, has found love again after a difficult divorce – and you might know her.
Months after his heartbreaking divorce from longtime wife Christine Baumgartner, it appears that Kevin Costner has maybe found love again.
According to rumors, the Yellowstone actor is dating singer Jewel; the two were recently photographed together at a tennis fundraiser for the Inspiring Children Foundation on Richard Branson’s Necker Island.
According to TMZ, the couple flew to the Caribbean together and spent almost a week in each other’s company. This, of course, follows the upheaval caused by Costner’s post-relationship legal fight with the aforementioned Baumgartner.
According to sources, Costner was taken aback by his wife’s choice to file for divorce in May of this year. From there, the tragic situation started to fall lower.
Christine filed for divorce in early May, alleging “irreconcilable differences.” They’d been married for 18 years.
“It is with great sadness that circumstances beyond Mr. Costner’s control have resulted in Mr. Costner having to participate in a dissolution of marriage action,” a spokeswoman for Costner said in a statement.
“We ask that his, Christine’s and their children’s privacy be respected as they navigate this difficult time.”
Baumgartner and Costner married in 2004. Cayden, 15, and Hayes, 14, are the couple’s boys, while Grace, 12, is their daughter.
Following Baumgartner’s lawsuit, she and Costner had a nasty dispute, with the former being kicked out of the family home – as per a prenuptial agreement – and the latter compelled to pay $63,209 per month in child support.
Despite the fact that Costner’s journey has clearly been a dark one, filled with grief, uncertainty, and a lot of stress he could have done without, it appears there is light at the end of the tunnel.
According to TMZ, Costner is in a relationship with US singer Jewel. As previously stated, the couple went to the Caribbean together, and one insider stated, “There was definitely something going on.” They were flirtatious, and when they were together, they both seemed to light up.”
Not only that, but Jewel made a social media note of Costner. “It’s an incredible time, and one I use to relax, rest, and play with my son!” she remarked of the tennis fundraiser hosted on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. This year, @kevincostnermodernwest was gracious enough to mentor our youngsters.”
According to TMZ, Costner and Jewel traveled back together. According to a source, Jewel is “picky,” and “she wants a good man, and Kevin fits the bill.”
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