Fitness guru Richard Simmons dead at 76

Legendary fitness instructor Richard Simmons has been found dead at his Los Angeles home.

Legendary fitness instructor Richard Simmons has died at the age of 76.

Police sources confirmed to NBC News that the TV star was found unresponsive by his

housekeeper at his home in the Hollywood Hills.

TMZ said the star is suspected to have died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected.

Richard Simmons has died at the age of 76. Picture: AFP

The fitness guru was loved by fans for bringing high energy workouts to the masses.

The star’s death comes one day he turned 76 and thanked fans for their birthday wishes.

He posted on Facebook: “Thank you...I never got so many messages about my birthday in my life! I am sitting here writing emails. Have a most beautiful rest of your Friday. Love, Richard.”

In a rare interview with People Magazine published just this week, he said he was feeling good despite his age.

“I am grateful that I’m here, that I am alive for another day,” he told People. “I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”

Earlier this year, the bubbly star revealed in a series of social media posts that he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.

Richard Simmons was open about his personal struggles. Picture: Getty Images

Simmons revolutionised the TV fitness industry when he burst into the spotlight in the 1970s and 80s.

His infectious personality and high energy workouts charmed TV audiences the world over as he encouraged millions to get off the couch and lose weight the healthy way.

He was the author of nine books, including the New York Times Best Seller, Never Say Diet.

Born in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Simmons was inspired to get healthy after battling obesity as a high school student, The New York Post reports.

He encouraged others to lose weight by reducing portions and moving more after revealing his early struggles with fad diets and laxative use to shed the kilos.

After adopting healthy eating habits and exercising regularly, he moved to Los Angeles in 1973 and opened his fitness studio, SLIMMONS, in Beverly Hills where he continued to teach classes until 2013.

His success as an instructor landed him appearances on local and then national television programs in the US before he became a global star.

Originally published as Fitness guru Richard Simmons dead at 76