 His publicist confirmed the death but gave no further details. For more than four decades, Simmons advocated physical fitness and weight loss. He wore his trademark tank top and short shorts while rising to fame in the 70s and 80s as the host of The Richard Simmons Show, along with his exercise videos and best-selling books. He dropped out of public view 10 years ago and revealed in March that he'd been successfully treated for skin cancer.