As a child growing up in New Orleans, Simmons battled her weight and by the time she was 15 years old, she weighed roughly 200 pounds. His website states that at the time of his high school graduation, he weighed 268 pounds.

From 1980 until 1984, he was the host of the Richard Simmons Show, which focused on personal health and fitness.

He also gained popularity for his aerobic exercise videos, which included the successful 1988 release Sweatin’ to the Oldies and its 1990 and 1991 sequels.

By regularly appearing on game shows like Match Game, The New Hollywood Squares, and The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Simmons maintained the momentum from his early success. He established himself as a late-night television mainstay in the 1990s and 2000s, frequently appearing on shows hosted by Jay Leno and David Letterman.

Over the years, Simmons has sold millions of exercise videos. His Beverly Hills restaurant and fitness center was frequented by Paul Newman and Barbra Streisand.

Following his announcement of a skin disease in March 2024 and subsequent withdrawal from public life, there had been speculation on Simmons’ health and overall well-being. The first to report on his passing was TMZ.

We are deeply sorry for this loss. I wish him tranquility.