Richard Simmons' goal is “to really make the world a better place to live in,” he once said as he sat across from fellow icon Dr. Ruth, kissing her on the cheek and engaging in animated conversation.
Both women, both of whom were celebrities in their own right, died this weekend. The Jewish grandmother known for her frank sex talk died Friday night at age 96, while fitness pioneer Simmons died Saturday, the day after his 76th birthday, their respective representatives confirmed. News of their deaths broke on Saturday, sparking a flood of responses from other celebrities and influencers.
Journalist Yashar Ali shared a video of Dr. Roos and Dr. Simmons talking, writing, “Two famous people who died on the same day… Richard Simmons and Dr. Roos!” The post has been viewed 1.4 million times.
To quote Richard Simmons:On life, love and weight loss
Collin Mochrie, Pauly Shore and Ricki Lake react to Richard Simmons' death
Many fans celebrated Simmons by revisiting his memorable appearance on the improvisational comedy series, “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” In a 2003 episode, the fitness guru acted out a sketch with Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles using Simmons and Wayne Brady as props, heavy on sexual innuendo.
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“WL's Richard Simmons was adventurous, generous and full of fun,” Mochrie wrote to X, sharing a video of the “Whose Line” scene. “Exactly what you want in an improv show. I think he's responsible for making that sketch one of the funniest in TV history. Rest in peace. Thank you.”
Actress Ricki Lake said she was “heartbroken” by the loss of Simmons, who she described as “a very special person,” adding: “I loved him so much.”
Comedian and actress Bridget Everett shared a photo of her and Simmons on Instagram, remembering him as “one of a kind.”
“Meeting Richard Simmons and taking his class at Slimmons was an experience that exceeded all my expectations,” she captioned the photo. “I had the chance to speak with him after class and was thrilled and heartbroken at the same time. I am truly a huge fan of his. He truly gave his heart to the world. One of a kind.”
Comedian, actor Pauly Shore pays tribute to Simmons X (formerly Twitter) called him “one of a kind.”
“Like all of you, I just heard the news that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed away,” Shore wrote. “May he rest in peace in heaven. Big hugs and kisses on my behalf to my mom, Mitchie, and my dad, Sammy.”
He added that Mr Simmons had lived an “incredible life” with a “incredible story”.
“They ripped the Dolphins' shorts when they made you. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace,” Shore concluded.
Richard Simmons died:Fitness pioneer dies one day after his 76th birthday
In January, Shore made headlines during an interview with Entertainment Weekly in which he confirmed he was impersonating the fitness legend in “The Court Jester,” a short film based on Simmons.
Shore told the outlet at the time that Simmons supported the film but was not involved, but later denied Shore's claims in a statement posted to her official Facebook page.
actor Emerson Collinsknown for her roles in “Shafted” (2023) and “Six Characters in Search of a Play” (2019), said she was saddened to hear of Simmons' death.
“People have come to know him because he is a person who enjoys what he does,” Collins wrote. “Years ago, after playing a benefit concert, I asked him for a photograph. The photo I took on the dressing room wall turned out so funny that I cut it out and made a nonsense story out of it. I couldn't stop laughing at the time, knowing he would find it funny.”
He added: “And the purity of his joyful delivery is so resistant to cynicism that I think we could all use a little more of that in our lives.”
Adam Sandler, Ross Matthews, Marlee Matlin remember Dr. Ruth
Adam Sandler spoke to X about Dr. Ruth's impact: “I've always loved Dr. Ruth and I'm going to miss her so much. She always made us smile. Sending love to her family and thank you for everything.”
Ross Matthews, TV host (“The Drew Barrymore Show”) and judge (“RuPaul's Drag Race”), shared a photo from his interview with Dr. Ruth last year.
“I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Ruth in February 2023. She was so funny, incisive and specific. Here she tells me exactly what to ask me during the interview. Of course, I did as instructed. This was a groundbreaking event. I am grateful to have met her. She passed away yesterday at the age of 96. Bravo, Doctor.”
Dr. Ruth Westheimer dies at age 96:Beloved “Sex Expert” Shares Decades of Honest Advice
Film producer Patrick Scott Patterson shared two photos. He paid tribute to Dr. Ruth and Simmons, side-by-side with an X. “Amazing,” he wrote. “It's hard to think of two people who got more airtime helping people in the 1980s and 1990s than these two icons.”
“It really feels like the end of an era,” Patterson added. “Our deepest condolences go out to their family and friends today.”
Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin wrote on X, “She was honest, funny and smart. Most of all, she was the kindest person. May her memory be a blessing to her family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her.”
Psychotherapist Esther Perel also said she was “deeply saddened” to hear of Dr Ruth's death.
“To me, she was a woman who understood pain and loss and was outspoken about the erotic,” Perel said. “Her influence extended beyond the realm of sex. She embodied vitality, pleasure and joy, and her bold message resonated deeply with me.”
Contributor: Brendan Morrow
