‘General Hospital’ ((GH) Spoilers report that Richard Simmons passed away one day after his birthday on Saturday, July 13th, at age 76. He was born on July 12th, 1948.
‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: Simmons Died One Day After His Birthday
Richard’s official cause of death has not yet been announced. However, it has been reported that Simmons fell in his bathroom at home, which could also be connected to his death. His housekeeper found him unresponsive at 10:00 am Saturday and called 911.
It is a shock to Simmons fans who posted birthday messages to Richard just yesterday.
“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 March, Simmons posted on X and Facebook that he was dying.
“I have some news to tell you. Please don’t be sad. I am….dying. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to enjoy your life to the fullest every single day. Get up in the morning and look at the sky….count your blessings and enjoy.”
He later clarified to his fans that he was not dying and apologized for the confusion. He revealed the next day that he had skin cancer and underwent a procedure that “burned his skin.”
Simmons came into the spotlight in the 70s and 80s and is best known as a fitness guru who was always cheerfully positive and upbeat. His “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” exercise videos were most popular with fans. He also established several gyms and opened his own exercise studio, Slimmons.
Richard is credited with creating a supportive environment for those who struggled with being overweight, obese, or out of shape. He catered his exercise regimes to those with weight or health issues.
‘General Hospital’ Spoilers: Simmons Had A Recurring Role On General Hospital
In the early 1980s, Simmons hosted two shows: “Slim Cookin’” and the Emmy-award-winning talk show “The Richard Simmons Show.” The Richard Simmons show focused on health, fitness, exercise, and healthy cooking.
Long-time fans may remember that Simmons made his debut on GH in 1979. He was a recurring character from 1979 to 1983. He played a fictional version of himself and hosted an exercise class at the Campus Disco and then at the Community Center.
He taught fitness classes to the women of Port Charles. His exercise students included Bobbie Spencer (Jackie Zeman) and Laura Collins (then Webber-Baldwin, played by Genie Francis).
Laura’s mother, Lesley Webber (Denise Alexander), was also one of Simmon’s enthusiastic students. Richard also showed support for Laura’s pal, Beverly DeFreest (Louise Hoven), who wanted to lose weight.
Simmons worked with Gloria Monty, GH’s legendary executive producer, Tony Geary (who played Luke Spencer), and Jane Elliot (who plays Tracy Quartermaine). He recently did an interview with Soaps In Depth, fondly recalling his days in Port Charles.
Richard also briefly returned to GH in 2013 for the Nurses’ Ball. Lucy Coe (Lynn Herring) and Richard argue over the opening number in the episode. Richard shoves Lucy into the closet and later pushes her onstage in her underwear. It’s fun to watch.
Simmons was a positive and caring person; we will always remember him for his kind personality and lifelong dedication to helping people.
Daily Soap Dish sends sincere sympathies to Richard Simmons’s family. Richard made it his mission to exercise and entertain while helping his viewers lose weight and tone up. Richard will be remembered for his creativity and humor mixed with beneficial exercise.
