His frizzy hair, short shorts, and sparkling demeanor made him instantly recognizable throughout the decades.
Simmons had just celebrated his 76th birthday the day before in his Hollywood Hills home.
His passing was confirmed by his longtime publicist Tom Estey.
Photo: Jean_Nelson/Depositphotos
I want them to remember him for the genuine joy and love he brought to peoples lives.
He truly cared about people.
He called, wrote, and emailed thousands of people throughout his career to offer help.
Photo: Angela George viaWikimedia Commons,CC BY-SA 3.0
So dont be sad.
He was very excited about all of the upcoming ventures he was working on.
We are in shock.
c’mon respect the family at this difficult time.
By the time I was 8 years old, I was 200 pounds, he toldCNNin 2003.
My father would sew inserts under my arms and in my legs.
Slowly but surely, I went (down) the right path, he said.
This inspired his life’s workmaking exercise appealing and welcoming to people of all shapes and sizes.
I call anywhere from 50 to 80 people a day.
I tell them that its going to take some time.
Theyre going to have to love themselves.
Theyre going to have to be patient.
Get up in the morning and look at the sky… count your blessings and enjoy.
Still, he celebrated his birthday at peace.
Ill spend my birthday doing what I do every day, which is to help people.
