This person died 2024, age 76. His TV show went into national syndication in 1980 and ran until 1984, after which he developed an array of products and performances to replace it. He described himself as a loner with few friends, whose main companions were pet dalmatians and live-in maids. Even people who encountered him by chance said he was exactly as he appeared on TV: hyperkinetic, authentic, and totally outrageous. People Magazine once called him “a hyperkinetic elf in an emerald green tracksuit and the clown prince of fitness.” Today’s dead celebrity is Richard Simmons.

If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like Episode 65 Steve Irwin (Crikey Inner Child) and Episode 7 Joan Rivers (Stilletto Comic).

LINKS

NYT Obituary for Richard Simmons

Missing Richard Simmons podcast by Dan Taberski

Richard Simmons on Who’s Line is it Anyway?

Hot mic moment, behind the scenes with Richard Simmons

Richard Simmons on Letterman (1986–2000s, multiple clips)

Richard Simmons on General Hospital

Dead or Alive quiz game

Famous & Gravy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads

Famous & Gravy official website

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Frizzy Fitness (Richard Simmons)

Famous and Gravy: Dead celebrity biographies

Frizzy Fitness (Richard Simmons)