Fitness instructorRichard Simmonshas died just a day after his 76th birthday, according to a report.
Simmons thanked fans on social media for their birthday wishes on Friday, making his death even more shocking.
TMZ was the first to report the death, which happened at his Hollywood Hills home.
Police were summoned by a housekeeper, who told the outlet they believe it was a natural death.
His remoteness led to wellness checks on several occasions and speculation on his safety.
Simmons said in March he had been diagnosed with skin cancer.
In a rare interview with People Magazine this week, he said he feels good despite his age.
I am grateful that Im here, that I am alive for another day, he said.
Ill spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.
Simmons said earlier he was planning to open a Broadway musical with producer and composer Patrick Leonard.
On Friday, Simmons posted to Facebook, thanking fans for their well-wishes.
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.
By adjusting his eating habits and incorporating moderate exercise, he managed to lose weight.
It was a methodology that he shared with millions over his career.
He moved to Los Angeles in the 1970s and opened a fitness studio, SLIMMONS, in Beverly Hills.
The show ran for four years and earned multiple Emmy awards.
I have never given my permission for his movie.
So dont believe everything you read, he wrote onFacebookat the time.
I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist.
I just have a go at live a quiet life and be peaceful.
Thank you for all your love and support.
Since that post, Simmons had been active on social media.
No information on survivors was immediately available.
