Richard Simmons knew his way around a cheeky soundbite.
The perpetually upbeat workout guru, who rose to fame wearing striped dolphin shorts during the '80s VHS at-home workout era, died Saturday at age 76. The “Sweatin' with the Oldies” star had largely disappeared from public view in recent years, before leaving fans with lifelong encouragement and funny one-liners about growing up in food-obsessed New Orleans, squashing rumors about his personal life and gently poking fun at his outsized image.
Here are some of Simmons' most memorable quotes on life, love, and weight loss.
Richard Simmons dies at 76: He spoke about bullying, fad diets and death
“I was pretty big. You know, you're taught as a kid, 'Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you,' and that's a lie. But who has the last laugh?'” — Richard Simmons told the (New Orleans) Times-Picayune in 1983.
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“The only day I wasn't fat was the day I was born. I quickly went from bread to crepes suzette.” – Simons, from his 1980 book, The Never-Say-Diet Book
“When I die, I'm going to donate all my clothes to the Smithsonian because I want my own wings. Not just a Fonzie jacket, I want Richard Simmons' wings.” – Simmons in a 2012 interview with Men's Health
“There's always been something weird about eating four grapes before bed or drinking a special tea or buying these little beans from El Salvador. If you watch your intake, have good posture and exercise every day, you're going to live longer, feel better and look better,” Simmons told The Associated Press in a 2005 interview.
“When you die in New Orleans, you get fried before you're put in your coffin. When they baptize children in New Orleans, they baptize them in Bordelaise sauce. They don't use water.” – Simmons, Men's Health
“I think there's a time to be serious and a time to be silly. It's about knowing when to do it. I try to have a good mix. Being silly cures depression. It surprises people. It makes them think. But in between the silliness, there's a lot of seriousness that makes sense.” — Simmons, Associated Press
“The candle will be on top of a zucchini. As you know, I'm a vegetarian. … Okay, fine. Maybe a Pepperidge Farm Milano cookie. But just one,” Simmons said in a birthday interview with People magazine the day before his death.
“I have something to say to you all. Don't be sad. I am going to die soon. I see your faces. The truth is, we are all going to die. Every day we get closer to death. Why am I telling you this? Because I want you to live life to the fullest, every day. Wake up in the morning and look up at the sky. Be grateful for your blessings and enjoy them.” – Simmons surprised fans in a March 18 Facebook post
