Richard Simmons, the fitness guru, died at the age of 76.  

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Simmons celebrated his 76th birthday on Friday.  

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On July 12, 1948, he was born in New Orleans as Milton Teagle Simmons  

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However, as They  grew older,  They took the name Richard.  

He published his first book, "Never Say Diet," in 1980.  

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The book was the first of 12 he would publish over his career.  

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In the 1980s, his workout video series became quite successful.  

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He also presented his own conversation and fitness show, "The Richard Simmons Show,"