Richard Simmons, renowned for inspiring overweight individuals to get active and adopt healthier eating habits, passed away on Saturday.
Simmons, famous for his vibrant tank tops and short shorts, brought boundless energy to television as the lively court jester of physical fitness. He turned 76 on Friday.
According to an email from Richard Simmons’ publicist Tom Estey to The Associated Press, the fitness guru passed away at his Los Angeles home. “We lost an Angel today – a true Angel,” Estey said.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a 911 call from Richard Simmons’ home on Belfast Drive and arrived at 9:57 a.m. on Saturday.
“Upon arrival, one rescue ambulance discovered a 76-year-old male who was pronounced deceased on-scene by firefighter/paramedics due to apparent natural causes.
“As a result, no hospital transport was necessary,” LAFD Captain Erik Scott said.
Just two days before his passing, Richard contemplated his aspirations for his legacy.
“I never thought of myself as a celebrity. People don’t know this – I’m really a shy person and a little bit of an introvert,” he told People.
“But when that curtain goes up that’s a different story. I’m there to make people happy.
“But the accolades I get from emails. I mean, today most probably, we’ll answer over 100 emails.
“And they’ll say, ‘I’m your No1 fan’, and I just write back, and I say, you know, ‘Don’t say that because I’m a human being just like you. And I know that you do good things, too.’”
Simmons’ brother, Lenny Simmons, confirmed the death in a statement.
“I don’t want people to be sad about my brother,” Lenny Simmons said. “I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to people’s lives.”
“We are in shock,” Lenny added. “Please respect the family at this difficult time.”Tom Estey, Simmons’ longtime publicist, said in a statement, “Today the World lost an Angel.”
A day before his sudden passing, Simmons celebrated his 76th birthday and took to the social media to thank everyone for the birthday wishes.
“Thank you…I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life!” Simmons wrote. “I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday.”
He signed the post “Love, Richard.”
Simmons, who grew up in New Orleans, battled weight issues from a young age, tipping the scales at nearly 200 pounds by age 15. By the time he graduated from high school, he weighed 268 pounds, as documented on his website.
From 1980 to 1984, he hosted the Richard Simmons Show that focused on personal health and fitness.
He also gained fame through his aerobic exercise videos, such as 1988’s Sweatin’ to the Oldies and its sequels in 1990 and 1991.
Simmons expanded his early success with frequent appearances on various TV shows, ranging from The Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson to game shows like Match Game and The New Hollywood Squares. He became a staple of late-night television during the ’90s and 2000s, appearing on shows hosted by Jay Leno and David Letterman.
Throughout the years, Simmons sold millions of workout videos. He owned a Beverly Hills exercise studio and restaurant frequented by celebrities like Barbra Streisand and Paul Newman.
Following his recent withdrawal from public life, during which he disclosed a skin illness in March 2024, speculation about Simmons’ health and well-being had circulated. His death was initially reported by TMZ.
We are so very sorry for this loss. May he rest in peace.
Adriana Lima Stuns with Her ‘Healthier’ Body on the Runway
The Brazilian supermodel made a comeback on the runway at the age of 43, showing off her “slim” body transformation for the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.
Adriana Lima’s appearance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on October 15, 2024, was one of the best moments of the night. After retiring in 2018, after nearly 20 years with the lingerie brand, and having her third child in 2022, she amazed the crowd with her new look, which fans quickly noticed and praised.
Lima first shared her retirement in 2018 at the age of 37. In an Instagram post, which she has since deleted, she reflected on her long time with the brand. “Dear Victoria, thank you for showing me the world, sharing your secrets, and most importantly not just giving me wings but teaching me to fly,” she wrote.
When talking about her last walk, Lima told People, “This has been my 18th fashion show, and I am still as excited as I was from the first day. I think this year is going to be the highlight of my career.”
After leaving modeling, she was only seen at some events and on social media. In a TikTok video from February 2022, Lima shared that she was pregnant with her third child, her first with partner Andre Lemmers.
By April, the couple released a gender reveal video, announcing that a boy would join Lima’s daughters from her previous marriage, Valentina and Sienna. Her son, Cyan, was born in August 2022.
During her pregnancy, the retired supermodel looked amazing in stylish maternity outfits at important events, like the 75th Cannes Film Festival in May 2022. Wearing a mustard gown from Nicolas Jebran, she proudly showed off her baby bump on the red carpet, and while she looked great, it was different from her usual slimmer figure.
Fast forward to 2023, Lima attended the Venice International Film Festival in a Pinko gown with a plunging neckline and gold accents. At this event, her fuller face and body were still noticeable.
A few months later, the supermodel went to the Mon Cheri Barbara Tag event in Munich, Germany, in December 2023. She wore a form-fitting gray gown by Donna Karan and looked like she was losing her previous weight.
However, her October 2024 runway appearance showed her full transformation. During the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Brooklyn, Lima wowed the crowd not just with her outfits but also with her youthful appearance. A backstage photo captured her glowing skin and tight facial features.
Once ready, Lima hit the runway wearing a checker-striped outfit with a black bra and high-waisted pants, topped with a long-sleeved cut-out top for her first look. Her grunge-style angel wings added a cool touch to the outfit.
For her second appearance, she wore a red lace nightie with sparkling wings that showcased her renewed energy. This moment reminded everyone of her younger days as an angel for the brand, and fans quickly expressed their admiration for her physical change on social media.
One fan said, “She’s lost so much weight. She’s back .” Another wrote, “SHE LOOKS GREAT HER SLIM BODY IS BACK. GREAT JOB. I LIKE THIS OUTFIT TOO.”
Kiya Cole, the mother of actress Skai Jackson, added, “She worked hard in the gym this past year! I was a witness. No quick fix for her!” Another commenter expressed, “She is back with a vengeance, love her.”
Fans were also happy to see the show featuring a variety of healthier bodies, like Lima’s. One commented, “These bodies look healthier, and I like that, in different sizes but healthy, good for VS.”
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