Fitness instructor Richard Simmons has died just a day after his 76th birthday, according to a report.
Simmons thanked fans on social media for their birthday wishes on Friday, making his death more shocking.
TMZ was the first to report the death. Police told the outlet they believe it was a natural death.
Simmons was something of a recluse in recent years. His remoteness led to wellness checks on several occasions.
Simmons said in March he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
In a rare interview with People Magazine this week, he said he “feels good” despite his age. ”I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day,” he said. “I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”
Simmons said earlier he was planning to open a Broadway musical with producer and composer Patrick Leonard.
On Friday, Simmons posted to Facebook, thanking fans for their 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. Love, Richard.”
Born and raised in Louisiana, Simmons moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s. He opened a fitness studio, SLIMMONS, in Beverly Hills. That grew into the nationally syndicated The Richard Simmons Show on TV, where he gave fitness instructions to viewers at home.
He later was behind one of the all-time biggest fitness video empires with his “Sweatin’ To The Oldies” series.
His website describes him as “one of the world’s most revered and iconic fitness personalities” who has been an “instructor and motivator for over 40 years.”
“By delivering a serious message with his trademark humor, he has helped millions of overweight men and women lose more than 3,000,000 pounds by adopting sensible, balanced eating programs and exercise regimes that are energetic, fun and motivating,” a biography for Simmons on his website reads.
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