Fitness Guru Richard Simmons Dead One Day After 76th Birthday

Legendary fitness guru Richard Simmons passed away at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday, according to TMZ, just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday.

TMZ reported that law enforcement sources revealed that the fitness star passed away at his Los Angeles home earlier today, just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. They were told that foul play is not suspected at this time.

Simmons, known for his infectious energy, rose to fame in the 70s and 80s after opening a series of gyms, and then later releasing dozens of popular fitness tapes and DVDs.

Fans were drawn to Simmons thanks to his positive, enthusiastic energy, as he helped people enjoy fitness and lose weight in a fun way. He eventually stepped out of the limelight after many years of fame.

The Blast has reached out to Lauren Santillana, Public Information Manager for the City of Beverly Hills, but has yet to receive confirmation on his death.

On Friday, the fitness icon celebrated his 76th birthday. He took to Facebook to share a birthday-related post as well as gratitude for all the well wishes.

After sharing some backstory about his life in the post, he thanked everyone who sent him birthday wishes.

“When I taught class at Slimmons, on my birthday they would have special cakes made for me. One was a sheet cake airbrushed with my picture on it…….one was a Barbie doll and her dress was the cake……also what about that cake with a big Disco ball on top. It was my birthday when we taped Groovin in the House .…that one was a three-dimensional three-foot cake in the shape of one of my Dalmatians … You know I cried,” Simmons wrote on Facebook.

So many of you have sent me birthday wishes on my Facebook and other platforms. I really appreciate that. I don’t know when your birthday is but I wish you a happy and healthy birthday! Love, Richard.”

Simmons, who stepped out of the spotlight 10 years ago to live a quieter life, told PEOPLE that he was planning to blow out a candle to mark his birthday on Friday.

“But the candle will probably be on a zucchini,” he said. “You know, I’m a vegetarian.”

He also told PEOPLE how he was feeling and what he planned to do for his birthday.

“I feel good. 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 also shared that he recently underwent a painful treatment for skin cancer on his face. He shared the information on social media to help bring awareness to others about the importance of health checks.

“I know some of you reading this have had cancer or have known someone in your life who has had cancer. Promise me you will see your doctor and get a complete check-up,” he wrote in his post.

“Tell the ones that you love that you love them. Hug those people and children who you really care for. A big hug really goes a long way.”

On Saturday morning, Simmons shared a post on Facebook simply captioned, “Hello gorgeous! Please don’t rain on my parade.”

Many fans dropped into the comments to share their love for Simmons and well wishes. And others, once hearing of his passing, shared their condolences.

“Richard, you will be so missed. Your life was THE parade. How many you motivated to join you. You walked before and so many followed you. Because of your spirit and heart. We love you and will miss you. Thank you for sharing yourself with us,” one person wrote.

Another added, “Gonna miss your daily posts.” One other fan wrote, “I am so shattered, you helped me SO much, especially after escaping an abusive relationship. You made me feel like I had worth. You helped SO many people. There is a gigantic hole in the world.”