Ladies and gentlemen, we have some sad news to share about the beloved fitness icon Richard Simmons, who passed away suddenly on Saturday, just a day after celebrating his 76th birthday. His long-time representative, Tom Estey, confirmed the news, leaving fans and fellow celebrities heartbroken.
Richard Simmons was a household name, renowned for his energetic “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos that brought joy and fitness into countless homes. His infectious enthusiasm and unique style made him a one-of-a-kind figure in the world of health and fitness.
Pauly Shore, Denise Austin, and Ricki Lake are among the celebrities mourning this tremendous loss. Pauly Shore, the comedian set to portray Simmons in an upcoming biopic, expressed his grief on social media platform X. “I just got word like everyone else that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed,” Shore wrote, adding, “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.”
Shore reminisced about Simmons’ remarkable life and the unique impact he had on the world, stating, “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.”
The biopic, produced by Warner Bros. subsidiary the Wolper Organization and written by Jordan Allen-Dutton, faced controversy earlier this year. Simmons had voiced his disapproval of the project, stating it did not have his blessing. Despite this, the project is moving forward.
Denise Austin, a long-time friend and colleague of Simmons, took to Instagram to honor her dear friend. “My heart is hurting that my dear friend and colleague, Richard Simmons, has passed away,” she wrote alongside a joyful image of them together. Austin shared fond memories, noting, “Every time we were together we had so much fun… filled with hugs, laughter, and tears. I’ll never forget Richard singing through the hallways, hugging my daughters, and even sending me a letter when my mom passed.”
Austin’s heartfelt message reflected the deep bond they shared over 40 years in the aerobics industry. “I cherished our friendship – and I can’t believe I just reached out less than a month ago. Richard – you have left an impact on us all. Thank you for all your love… we did so much together in this life. I love you so much. You will forever be in my heart!! Love, Denise.”
Ricki Lake, another celebrity mourning the loss, posted a touching tribute with a photo of herself, Simmons, and Maria Menounos. “My heart is broken with the loss of this super special human. May he RIP,” she wrote, adding a broken heart emoji to convey her sorrow. Simmons had made several appearances on Lake’s former talk show, “The Ricki Lake Show,” which ran from 1993 to 2004.
Sally Jessy Raphael, the host of the long-running talk show “Sally,” also expressed her devastation on X, sharing a throwback photo with Simmons. “I am completely devastated at the loss of @theweightsaint… we’ve done so many shows together, shared so many laughs & hugs, and I considered him a dear friend who changed so many lives over the years,” Raphael, 89, wrote.
Richard Simmons’ passing leaves a void in the hearts of many, but his legacy of positivity, health, and kindness will continue to inspire for generations to come.
