Richard Simmons dead at 76: Legendary fitness guru passes away at his LA home day after his birthday

Legendary fitness guru and TV star Richard Simmons has reportedly died at the age of 76.

Simmons reportedly died at his home in Los Angeles on Saturday, according to ABC News.

It's claimed the Los Angeles Police Department responded to Simmons' home after a call from his housekeeper. 

ABC report that Simmons appears to have died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected. 

It comes a day after Simmons turned 76 and posted a message to fans on Facebook that read: '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'. 

Simmons burst into the spotlight in the 1970s and 80s when he opened a number of gyms and produced fitness videos. 

After winning a legion of fans with his infectious enthusiasm and positivity, Simmons slipped away from the limelight later in his career. 

Earlier this year, Simmons apologized to his fans when he posted a bizarre message on social media that said he was 'dying'.

In March, he posted on X and Facebook: 'I have some news to tell you. Please don't be sad. I am …. dying. The truth is we all are dying. Every day we live we are getting closer to our death.

'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.'

In a later post, Simmons apologized and said he was 'sorry for the confusion'.

'Sorry many of you have gotten upset about my message today. Even the press has gotten in touch with me,' the fitness celebrity wrote on a post on X. 'I am not dying.'

More to follow.