• Faith: Christian - Catholic
• Career: Public Figure
• Birthday:  July 12, 1948
• Date of Death:  July 13, 2024

Richard Simmons was a famous fitness personality best known for his electric personality, red curly hair, and for helping people lose weight via his "Sweatin' to the Oldies" workout videos. 

Richard Simmons' journey started in the lively French Quarter of New Orleans, born in 1948 as Milton Teagle Simmons. Life threw its challenges early on as Richard grappled with obesity from a young age. The vibrant culinary culture of New Orleans, coupled with a tumultuous relationship with food, saw his weight escalate.

Being the offspring of a showbiz couple, Simmons was never a stranger to flamboyance, which ultimately became a trademark of his public persona. It's clear that his early life experiences were instrumental in shaping his future career trajectory.

Taking control of his health and wellbeing, Richard embarked on a transformative journey that saw him shed the excessive weight. This personal victory over his own struggles with obesity set the stage for his mission to inspire others to do the same, laying the groundwork for his inevitable rise as a fitness celebrity.

Simmons' path to celebrity was a spectacular journey, mirroring his larger-than-life character. Upon relocating to Los Angeles in the vibrant 70s, he founded an unconventional gym, "The Anatomy Asylum". Here, the focus was less on rigorous workouts, more on fostering a healthy relationship with food and promoting body positivity.

Simmons' unique fusion of humor and empathy into his workout routines was a refreshing change in the fitness world. This innovative approach resonated with many, and the word spread. Before long, Simmons found himself invited to make appearances on popular TV shows such as "General Hospital", providing a national platform for his distinctive fitness message.

His infectious, offbeat charm, paired with his innate ability to make fitness fun and approachable, swiftly won over the public. His charisma, combined with his original, inclusive approach to fitness, captured the attention of the masses and rocketed him into the spotlight. The very traits that had shaped his early struggles - flamboyance, humor, and a genuine love for people - were now the cornerstones of his burgeoning fame as a fitness personality.

At the heart of Simmons' revolutionary approach to fitness lies his most recognizable program, "Sweating to the Oldies". This particular program showcased his unique philosophy in all its glory, featuring a lively, energy-packed workout set to the tunes of popular music from the 1950s and 1960s. By integrating this kind of music into his program, Simmons transformed what could have been an ordinary workout routine into an exciting, dance-filled extravaganza.

"Sweating to the Oldies" was a sensation, encouraging people who had typically shied away from exercise to step onto the dance floor, let loose, and embrace movement. This program highlighted his mission to make fitness accessible and enjoyable for all, regardless of age or physical ability.

Alongside this iconic program, Simmons launched others like "Dance Your Pounds Off" and "Love Yourself and Win". Each one embodied his core values of inclusivity, body positivity, and the belief that everyone can benefit from a healthier lifestyle.

In an unexpected twist in 2014, Richard Simmons abruptly withdrew from the limelight. His sudden and unexplained disappearance from the public arena created a whirlwind of rumors and speculations. His years-long absence even inspired the creation of a popular podcast aptly named "Missing Richard Simmons", further fueling the mystery surrounding his retreat. The questions and conjectures reached such a peak that in 2017, Simmons found it necessary to address the public. In a rare telephone interview with the Today Show, he dispelled the rumors about his health and wellbeing. He simply expressed his desire for some solitude, a breather from the constant public scrutiny he'd been under for the majority of his adult life.

Simmons passed away on July 13, 2024, one day his 76th birthday.

Richard Simmons' Religious Beliefs

Simmons grew up in a religious household in Louisiana and, as a young man, aspired to become a priest. His mother practiced Russian Judaism and was a fan dancer. His father was a Methodist and master of ceremonies for local Louisiana French Quarter shows. Despite the noise of his parents both involved in show business, Simmons later was converted to Catholicism in high school. He attended religious schools and still practices Catholicism. Richard Simmons liked to live a more quiet life compared to other fitness celebrities. He considered himself "an extreme Catholic" and values life, God, and family.