A beloved figure in the fitness world, Richard Simmons passed away on July 13, 2024, soon after celebrating his 76th birthday. He reportedly died of natural causes. In recent years, Simmons had largely withdrawn from public life, though he had opened up about his battle with skin cancer.
His path to becoming a prominent figure in fitness was marked by personal challenges, including childhood obesity, but he ultimately gained nationwide acclaim for his energetic fitness routines. Simmons leaves behind a legacy of inspiration and significant contributions to health and wellness. His journey not only led to financial success but also had a profound impact on popularizing fitness.
Richard Simmons Struggled with Obesity Growing Up
Born and raised in New Orleans, Richard Simmons described himself as a food enthusiast growing up, even calming that he “came out of his mother’s womb with a fork.” The workout King opened up about his love for food in his 1999 memoir, Still Hungry After All These Years: My Story.
I could recognize a package of bacon at 20 feet. The strips of bacon looked so weak, so flimsy, so sad until they hit the frying pan. Then they began swimming and dancing, lacing up at the sides and turning golden brown.
His extreme fascination for food was believed to be a coping mechanism related to a birth defect affecting his leg. TMZ’s documentary, What Really Happened to Richard Simmons, stated that he was born with a congenital issue involving his foot’s bone structure, leading to physical and emotional challenges.
“Richard found comfort in food and then he gained a lot of weight,” producer Charles Latibeaudiere revealed in the documentary. Obesity also negatively impacted his self-worth, as he once recalled enduring bullying and ridicule from his peers.
“I was the one made fun of. I felt very bad about myself,” he said, as per the New York Post. His weight also exacerbated the strain on his compromised foot, leg, and knee, while the relentless bullying contributed to the development of an eating disorder after high school.
Despite these challenges, Simmons eventually adopted a regimen of balanced eating and exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Yet, the insecurities rooted in his past experiences continued to linger throughout his life.
Richard Simmons’ Fitness Career and Rise to Stardom
Inspired by his own struggles with weight and a desire to promote health, Richard Simmons opened an exercise studio in the 1970s that revolutionized the industry. His approach focused on inclusivity, making fitness accessible and enjoyable for people of all ages and body types.
Simmons quickly became known for his vibrant personality, achieving fame with his Sweatin’ to the Oldies series. The upbeat music with easy-to-follow exercises captivated the audience, and his charismatic presence and genuine enthusiasm endeared him to millions.
His frequent presence on talk shows, game shows, and even soap operas like General Hospital and All My Children made him a household name, transcending the fitness enthusiast to become a cultural icon. His impactful career in fitness and media contributed to a substantial net worth of $20 million.
Simmons reportedly wanted people to remember him as his lively self, which is believed to be the reason he stepped back from public life, following a knee surgery that affected him deeply.
Despite living largely out of the public eye at his Beverly Hills mansion, he remained active on social media, particularly on Facebook, where he connected with fans. Before his passing, he expressed gratitude for the many birthday wishes he received.
Richard Simmons’ remarkable journey from personal struggles with weight to becoming a fitness icon and media personality reflects resilience, passion, and a commitment to improving lives through exercise. His impact on popularizing fitness and promoting self-confidence remains an enduring testament to his legacy.
