Fitness icon and television personality Richard Simmons dead at 76 [Video]

Richard Simmons, a familiar face and name on U.S. television screens for decades promoting fitness and weight loss has died. He was 76. Police sources confirmed the news to multiple outlets.

Police sources told outlets that Simmons’ housekeeper reportedly called emergency services to his home on Saturday morning where he was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said no foul play was suspected.

One of Simmons’ last known messages to fans was on social media where he thanked them for wishing him a happy birthday which he celebrated on July 12.

Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, Simmons grew up in the French Quarter where he spent the first 18 years of his life, the Historic New Orleans Collection museumwrote in a story of his life. He was born in Touro Hospital in 1948 — raised by his mother Shirley, a dancer, and his father Leonard, an emcee. Both met performing in clubs around New Orleans.

He shared …