Health icon Richard Simmons, who handed away on July 13 on the age of 76, died from problems as a result of latest falls, with coronary heart illness as a contributing issue, in accordance with his brother, Lenny Simmons.
The reason for demise was confirmed by the LA Coroner’s workplace in a name to Lenny on Aug. 21, as detailed in a press release launched to Folks by the Simmons household spokesperson, Tom Estey.
“This morning, Richard Simmons’ brother Lenny acquired a name from the LA Coroner’s workplace. The Coroner knowledgeable Lenny that Richard’s demise was unintended as a result of problems from latest falls and coronary heart illness as a contributing issue. The toxicology report was unfavourable aside from medicine Richard had been prescribed. The Household needs to thank everybody for his or her outpouring of affection and assist throughout this time of nice loss,” Estey stated.
Simmons was discovered unresponsive at his Hollywood Hills house by his longtime housekeeper, simply someday after celebrating his 76th birthday. Though there was no preliminary suspicion of foul play, the reason for demise was deferred pending further exams, which have now confirmed the circumstances.
Recognized for his flamboyant character and relentless positivity, Simmons constructed a multi-faceted health empire that included 12 books, 10 CDs, and 22 DVDs.
Amongst his most well-known works was his 1982 platinum album Attain, which spent 40 weeks on the Billboard 200. The album featured motivational songs like “What Are You Ready For?,” “You Can Do It,” and “Wake Up.”
Attain was a part of the early ’80s health craze, debuting on the Billboard 200 within the week ending June 5, 1982, only one week after Jane Fonda’s Exercise File debuted. Simmons’ colourful and energetic strategy to health, mixed with the period’s enthusiasm for getting match, made him a beloved popular culture determine.
Simmons’ tv profession additional solidified his place within the highlight. He hosted The Richard Simmons Present from 1980 to 1984, which targeted on private well being, health, and wholesome cooking.
He additionally made frequent visitor appearances on well-liked applications like Late Night time with David Letterman and Normal Hospital.
The popular culture icon all the time gave the impression to be in on the joke, whether or not it was throughout his visitor spots or in interviews, famously saying in a 2012 Males’s Well being interview, “When the king will get depressed, he doesn’t name for his spouse or the cook dinner. He turns to the little man with the pointed hat and says to the courtroom jester, ‘make me chortle.’ And I’m that courtroom jester.”
Simmons’ health journey started after he moved to Los Angeles within the Seventies, the place he opened an train studio referred to as the Anatomy Asylum, later renamed Slimmons. His dedication to well being helped him lose over 100 kilos, a feat he proudly maintained for over 4 a long time.
His affect prolonged past health as he produced greater than 50 exercise movies, together with the enduring Sweatin’ to the Oldies collection, which bought over 22 million copies.
In recent times, Simmons retreated from public life, sparking rumors and concern from his followers.
Regardless of his absence, he remained lively on social media, sharing messages of positivity. Earlier this yr, he was portrayed by actor Pauly Shore in a brief movie referred to as The Court docket Jester, which premiered on the Sundance Movie Competition. Nonetheless, Simmons made it clear he had not approved the movie, writing in a publish, “I’ve by no means given my permission for this film. So don’t consider every part you learn.”
Reflecting on his brother’s legacy, Lenny Simmons informed Folks, “I don’t need folks to be unhappy about my brother. I would like them to recollect him for the real pleasure and love he delivered to folks’s lives.”