The Daytime Emmy winner celebrated his latest birthday one day earlier.
Richard Simmons, the fitness instructor and media personality who rose to prominence in the 1980s, has died.
“The world lost an angel today,” he said.
Richard Simmons.Harry Langdon/Getty
Simmons' brother Lenny Simmons shared a statement with EW reflecting on the fitness instructor’s life and legacy.
“I dont want people to be sad about my brother,” he said.
“I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to peoples lives.
Richard Simmons.Rodrigo Vaz/Getty
He truly cared about people.
He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.
So dont be sad.
He was very excited about all of his upcoming ventures he was working on.”
Lenny additionally asked that fans respect the family and their privacy at this difficult time.
Harry Langdon/Getty
Simmons had just celebrated his 76th birthday on Friday.
“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.”
The fitness instructor reflected on his birthday in aPEOPLE interviewpublished on Friday.
“I’ll spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.”
Born Milton Teagle Simmons in New Orleans in 1948, Simmons graduated from Florida State University with a B.A.
His earliest on-camera appearances were background roles in Federico Fellinis filmsSatyriconandThe Clowns.
He notably played himself onGeneral Hospitalin several episodes in the 1980s.
Rodrigo Vaz/Getty
Simmons was a frequent guest onThe Howard Stern Showand both of David Lettermans late-night shows.
You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore.
I have never given my permission for this movie.
So dont believe everything you read, he wrote on Facebook in January.
“I just have a go at live a quiet life and be peaceful,” he added.
“Thank you for all your love and support.”
