Interview video of Richard Simmons and Dr. Ruth goes viral after deaths
“Sexually Speaking” talk show host “Dr. Ruth” Westheimer dies at the age of 96
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, known for her candid words about sex on radio and television, has died
Richard Simmons’ goal is to “really make the world a better place to live,” he once told his icon Dr. Ruth as the two sat across from each other and had a lively conversation that always ended with a kiss on the cheek.
Both household names in their own right, they both died this weekend. The Jewish grandmother, best known for her frank sex talk, died Friday night at the age of 96, and fitness pioneer Simmons died just a day after his 76th birthday on Saturday, their respective reps confirmed. News of their deaths broke on Saturday and reactions poured in from other celebrities and influencers.
Journalist Yashar Ali shared the clip of the meeting between Dr. Ruth and Simmons and wrote, “Two icons died on the same day… Richard Simmons and Dr. Ruth!” The post was viewed 200,000 times within an hour.
Pauly Shore and Bridget Everett react to the death of Richard Simmons
Comedian and actress Bridget Everett shared a photo of herself with Simmons on Instagram and remembered him as “one of a kind.”
“Meeting Richard Simmons and attending his class with Slimmons was beyond expectations,” she captioned the photo. “I had the opportunity to speak with him afterward and it was both exciting and heartbreaking. Such a huge fan. He truly gave his heart to the world. One of a kind.”
Comedian and actor Pauly Shore paid tribute to Simmons on X, formerly Twitter, and called it “unique.”
“I just learned, like everyone else, that the wonderful Richard Simmons has passed away,” Shore wrote. “I hope you are resting in peace and smiling in heaven. Please give my mom Mitzi and dad Sammy a big hug and a kiss.”
He added that Simmons had lived “an incredible life” with “an incredible story.”
“They ruined the dolphin shorts when they made you. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace,” Shore concluded.
In January, Shore made headlines with an interview with Entertainment Weekly in which he confirmed that he was drawing inspiration from the fitness legend for a short film based on Simmons, titled “The Court Jester.”
Shore told the newspaper at the time that Simmons supported the film but was not involved in it. But Simmons later clarified the matter in a statement on his official Facebook page and refuted Shore’s claim.
Actor Emerson Collinsknown for his roles in “Shafted” (2023) and “Six Characters in Search of a Play” (2019), said he was saddened to hear of Simmons’ death.
“A man whose joy in what he did made it accessible to so many,” wrote Collins. “Years ago, after our performance at a benefit, I asked him for a photo. It was so hilariously bad with the green room wall that I cut it out and made a pointless story out of it. At the time, I just couldn’t stop giggling because I thought he would find it amusing too.”
He added: “And I think the purity of his delightful expression is so cynic-resistant that we could all use a little more of it in our lives.”
Adam Sandler and Ross Mathews remember Dr. Ruth
Adam Sandler wrote on X about Dr. Ruth’s impact: “I always loved Dr. Ruth,” he wrote. “We will miss her very much. She always made us smile. Sending love to her family and thanks for everything.”
Ross Mathews, a television 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 privilege of interviewing Dr. Ruth in February 2023. She was hilarious, sharp, and specific. Here she is telling me exactly what to ask her during the interview. Of course, I followed the instructions. That was a turning point. I’m grateful I had the privilege of meeting her. She passed away yesterday at the age of 96. Bravo, doctor.”
Film producer Patrick Scott Patterson shared two photos Side by side on X to honor Dr. Ruth and Simmons. “Wow,” he wrote. “I have a hard time imagining two people who got more airtime to help people in the 1980s and 1990s than these two icons.”
“A truly end of an era day,” Patterson added. “Today our thoughts are with her family and friends.”
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