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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
Lifestyle
Guardian staff

Richard Simmons, celebrated fitness instructor, dies aged 76

Man with red and white T-shirt on purple background
Richard Simmons pictured in 1984. Photograph: Walt Disney Television Photo Archives/ABC

The fitness instructor Richard Simmons, who rocketed to fame in the 1980s with up-tempo neon-colored exercise videos such as Sweatin’ to the Oldies, has died.

Simmons had just thanked fans on social media for birthday wishes after he turned 76 on Friday. “I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life!” Simmons wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday.”

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