Eccentric fitness icon Richard Simmons dies at 76: report

(KTLA/NEXSTAR) — Richard Simmons, the legendary fitness instructor that reached massive celebrity status, has died at the age of 76, according to TMZ and other outlets. The star celebrated his 76th birthday just one day earlier.

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.”

Friday on X, formerly Twitter, he thanked fans for the birthday 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.

In his later years, Simmons retreated from public life. His absence became the subject of the popular but controversial 2017 podcast, “Missing Richard Simmons,” which explored Simmons’ disappearance and its affect on his friends and family.

On Saturday morning, Simmons’ official Facebook page posted a final message, which featured a Barbra Streisand-referencing caption reading, “Hello, gorgeous! Please don’t rain on my parade.”

It’s a fitting signoff for a legendary presence who will long be remembered for the positivity and motivation Simmons was known for.

This is a developing story.