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Jane Fonda recently honored the late Richard Simmons, a fitness legend like herself, best known for popularizing fitness in the 1980s. Simmons passed away at age 76.
In an Instagram post on July 14, Fonda shared her thoughts alongside a cheerful photo of the pair, noting, “Richard Simmons always wanted people to feel good and be happy.” She reminisced about his kind-hearted nature and a specific playful memory when he surprised her by jumping out of a giant cake at a promotional event for her Jane Fonda WORKOUT, highlighting his generous spirit.
Fonda recounted another fond memory where Simmons made a spontaneous gesture of friendship by purchasing a trinket and enthusiastically alerting her to his presence in a store. She last spent time with him during a new boyfriend’s introduction at the Polo Lounge, after which Simmons gradually retreated from public life starting in February 2014, leading to widespread speculation about his wellbeing.
Simmons’ death on the morning of July 13, a day after his birthday, was confirmed to be of natural causes. Despite his recent privacy, Simmons acknowledged his birthday well-wishes in posts on his official Facebook page, expressing gratitude towards the love he received from fans.
Known for his vibrant and accessible approach to weight loss and fitness through his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” video series, Simmons was a beloved figure in the media, often featured on shows like ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’ and parodied for his exuberant personality.
The enigmatic circumstances of his withdrawal from the public eye fueled both a popular podcast, “Missing Richard Simmons,” and a 2022 Hulu documentary, exploring his sudden disappearance. Simmons himself addressed the rumors in 2016 on the ‘Today’ show, stating his decision to step back was for his self-care and to avoid further travel.
As the industry and fans mourn the loss of such an iconic and joyful personality, Fonda’s heartfelt memories and Simmons’ own words remind us of the lasting impact he had on the world of fitness and entertainment.