Milton Teagle “Richard” Simmons fitness personality and public figure, known for his eccentric, flamboyant, and energetic personality has died. He was 76.
Simmons was born in New Orleans to ‘Showbiz’ parents. He became obese during his early childhood and adolescence. He began to overeat and became overweight as early as the age of 4. At 15, he weighed 182 pounds. As a young adult art student, he had appeared among the “freak show” characters in the Fellini films Satyricon (1968) and The Clowns (1970), and he eventually reached a peak of 268 lb.
Upon moving to Los Angeles in the 1970s, he developed an interest in fitness. He established gyms, and his interest in fitness helped him lose 123 lbs. He opened his own exercise studio, originally called The Anatomy Asylum, where emphasis was placed on healthy eating in proper portions and enjoyable exercise in a supportive atmosphere. Later renamed “Slimmons”, the establishment continued operations in Beverly Hills and Simmons taught motivational classes and aerobics throughout the week.
Simmons published 11 books and several dozen videos during the course of his career.
Simmons died on July 13, 2024 at his home a day after his 76th birthday.