 died. Publicist Tom Esty tells the Associated Press that Simmons died Friday at his home in Los Angeles, a day after his 76th birthday. Simmons was a court jester of physical fitness who built a mini-empire in his trademark tank tops and short shorts by urging the overweight to exercise and eat better. Simmons was a former 268-pound teen who shared his hard-worn weight loss tips in his Emmy-winning show, The Richard Simmons Show. Breaking news and analysis at talonhall.com.