Pauly Shore, Dennis Austin and Ricki Lake are among the celebrities mourning Richard Simmons’ sudden death on Saturday.
Simmons, known for his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos, died one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. Simmons’ longtime representative, Tom Esty, confirmed his passing to Fox News Digital.
After news of Simmons’ death broke, Shore appeared on X to pay tribute to the fitness guru, who was “one of a kind.”
Celebrities are mourning the loss of fitness icon Richard Simmons after he passed away on Saturday at the age of 76. (Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
“Like most of you, I have just heard the news that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed away,” the 56-year-old comedian wrote.
Fitness guru Richard Simmons dies at age 76
He continued: “May you both rest in peace in heaven. Please send big hugs and kisses to your mum Mitchie and dad Sammy from me.”
“You are one of a kind, Richard. A wonderful life, a wonderful story. I ripped my dolphin shorts when I made you. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace.”
Shore will portray Simmons in the upcoming biopic, which is being produced by Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization and written by Jordan Allen Dutton.
In April, Simmons spoke out against the project, saying he was “not in favor” of it – Shore claimed Simmons’ response had him “crying all night” – but confirmed in May that the project was moving forward.
Simmons’ longtime friend, Denise Austin, remembered the late aerobics instructor in a heartfelt post on Instagram.
“I am heartbroken by the passing of my dear friend and colleague Richard Simmons,” she wrote, alongside a photo of the pair flashing beaming smiles as Austin pumped his fist.
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“My heart is broken because I knew him when he started his aerobics business over 40 years ago,” Austin continued. “Our times together were always filled with hugs, laughter and tears. I’ll never forget Richard singing in the hallways, holding our daughters and writing me a letter when my mother passed away.”
“I cherished our friendship and can’t believe we were in contact less than a month ago. Richard, you inspired us all. Thank you for your love. We did so much together in this life. I love you so much. You will be in my heart forever!! With love, Denise.”
Ricki Lake posted a photo of herself posing with Simmons and Maria Menounos, writing, “I am heartbroken over the loss of this very special person. Rest in peace.”
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“I loved him so much,” the 55-year-old TV personality added, along with a broken heart emoji.
Simmons appeared on Lake’s former talk show, “The Ricki Lake Show,” which aired from 1993 to 2004.
Sally Jessy Raphael posted a throwback photo of herself with “The Weight Saint,” a nickname the fitness coach used on his social media accounts, and honored Simmons with an X.
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“I am so devastated by the loss of @theweightsaint… We did so many shows together, had so many laughs and hugs. I considered him a dear friend who changed so many lives over the years,” wrote Raphael, 89, who was host of the long-running tabloid talk show “Sally,” originally called “The Sally Jesse Raphael Show.”
