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Remembering Richard Simmons: See the fitness guru's life and career in photos

Richard Simmons, who died July 13, 2024, at age 76, became well known for his eccentric fitness guru persona, advocating for health and wellness, hosting a podcast and even taking his talents to acting. A look back at his life and career in photos.
Richard Simmons, who died July 13, 2024, at age 76, became well known for his eccentric fitness guru persona, advocating for health and wellness, hosting a podcast and even taking his talents to acting. A look back at his life and career in photos.
Hospice Cincinnati
Richard Simmons attends Swim for Relief, benefiting Hurricane Sandy recovery, at Herald Square on Oct. 9, 2013, in New York City.
Richard Simmons attends Swim for Relief, benefiting Hurricane Sandy recovery, at Herald Square on Oct. 9, 2013, in New York City.
Ilya S. Savenok, Getty Images
TV personality Richard Simmons attends the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Center on Aug. 25, 2013, in Brooklyn, New York.
TV personality Richard Simmons attends the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Center on Aug. 25, 2013, in Brooklyn, New York.
Larry Busacca, Getty Images For MTV
Katy Perry and Richard Simmons attend the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Center on Aug. 25, 2013.
Katy Perry and Richard Simmons attend the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards at the Barclays Center on Aug. 25, 2013.
Jeff Kravitz, FilmMagic
Kevin Nealon and Richard Simmons perform at the One Kid One World Night of (At Least 18 Laughs) at Largo on April 28, 2013, in Los Angeles.
Kevin Nealon and Richard Simmons perform at the One Kid One World Night of (At Least 18 Laughs) at Largo on April 28, 2013, in Los Angeles.
Michael Buckner, Getty Images For OKOW
Fitness gurus Richard Simmons and Denise Austin are seen near pictures of the first television fitness guru, Jack LaLanne, before the start of the funeral service for Jack LaLanne on Feb. 1, 2011, in Los Angeles.
Fitness gurus Richard Simmons and Denise Austin are seen near pictures of the first television fitness guru, Jack LaLanne, before the start of the funeral service for Jack LaLanne on Feb. 1, 2011, in Los Angeles.
David McNew, Getty Images
Richard Simmons hosts his weekly radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio alongside his 60th birthday at the Slimmons Studios on July 13, 2008, in Beverly Hills, California.
Richard Simmons hosts his weekly radio show on Sirius Satellite Radio alongside his 60th birthday at the Slimmons Studios on July 13, 2008, in Beverly Hills, California.
Michael Buckner, Getty Images
Fitness advocate Richard Simmons, left, speaks during a rally on Capitol Hill on July 24, 2008, in Washington, DC. Simmons was on the Hill for a hearing and a rally to promote the benefits of physical and health education for children.
Fitness advocate Richard Simmons, left, speaks during a rally on Capitol Hill on July 24, 2008, in Washington, DC. Simmons was on the Hill for a hearing and a rally to promote the benefits of physical and health education for children.
Alex Wong, Getty Images
Richard Simmons helps a mom fulfill her son's dream of having his very own basset hound.
Richard Simmons helps a mom fulfill her son's dream of having his very own basset hound.
GREG SCHWARTZ, USA TODAY Handout
A Christmas card from Richard Simmons with his Dalmatians Dolly and Hattie
A Christmas card from Richard Simmons with his Dalmatians Dolly and Hattie
ED OUELLETTE, For USA TODAY
Christmas card from Richard Simmons
Christmas card from Richard Simmons
NONE
Mary Lou Overton, 72, left, helps fitness guru Richard Simmons lead an exercise group of “silver citizens” and anybody else close by at the St. Thomas Hospital’s Good Health School on Nov. 13, 1986.
Mary Lou Overton, 72, left, helps fitness guru Richard Simmons lead an exercise group of “silver citizens” and anybody else close by at the St. Thomas Hospital’s Good Health School on Nov. 13, 1986.
Diane Kelley / The Tennessean
Fitness guru Richard Simmons, center, gets a hug from one of his silver citizens that he led during exercise at the St. Thomas Hospital's Good Health School in 1986.
Fitness guru Richard Simmons, center, gets a hug from one of his silver citizens that he led during exercise at the St. Thomas Hospital's Good Health School in 1986.
Diane Kelley, The Tennessean Via USA TODAY Network
Fitness advocate Richard Simmons, wearing his signature shorts and tanktop, leads Capitol Hill staff and visitors through an exercise routine on July 24, 2004 in Washington, D.C. Simmons was slated to testify before the House Education and Labor Committee about expanding physical education in public schools to combat childhood obesity. Simmons turned 60 earlier this month.
Fitness advocate Richard Simmons, wearing his signature shorts and tanktop, leads Capitol Hill staff and visitors through an exercise routine on July 24, 2004 in Washington, D.C. Simmons was slated to testify before the House Education and Labor Committee about expanding physical education in public schools to combat childhood obesity. Simmons turned 60 earlier this month.
Tim Sloan, AFP Via Getty Images