Richard Simmons, Dr. Ruth interview goes viral after their deaths; stars post tributes

Richard Simmons' goal was "to really make this world a better place to live in," he once told fellow icon Dr. Ruth as the two sat across from each other, talking animatedly in a conversation that was punctuated with a kiss on the cheek.

Both, household names in their own right, died this weekend, with the Jewish grandmother figure best known for her frank sex talk dying Friday night at age 96 and fitness pioneer Simmons dying just one day after his 76th birthday on Saturday, their respective representatives confirmed. News of their deaths broke Saturday, and reactions began pouring in from fellow celebrities and influencers.

Journalist Yashar Ali shared the clip of Dr. Ruth and Simmons' sitdown, writing: "Two icons gone on the same day ... Richard Simmons and Dr. Ruth!" The post has racked up 1.4 million views.

Richard Simmons' best quotes: About life, love and weight loss

Colin Mochrie, Pauly Shore, Ricki Lake react to Richard Simmons' death

Many fans celebrated Simmons by revisiting his memorable appearance on the improv comedy series "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" In a 2003 episode, the fitness guru performed in a sketch where Colin Mochrie and Ryan Stiles used Simmons and Wayne Brady as props in a scene, resulting in plenty of sexual innuendo.

"Richard Simmons on WL was adventurous, giving and filled with fun," Mochrie wrote on X, sharing a video of the "Whose Line" scene. "Just what you want in a improvisor. He was the main reason this sketch, in my humble opinion, is one of the funniest things that ever appeared on TV. RIP sir, and thank you."

Actress Ricki Lake said her "heart is broken" at the loss of Simmons, a "super special human." She added, "I loved him so so much."

Comedian and actress Bridget Everett shared a photo of herself with Simmons on Instagram and remembered him as “one of one.”

“Meeting Richard Simmons and taking his class at Slimmons exceeded any and all expectations,” she captioned the photo. “I got a chance to talk to him afterwards and it was both thrilling and heartbreaking. Such a big fan. He really gave his heart to the world. One of one.”

Comedian and actor Pauly Shore paid tribute to Simmons on X, formerly Twitter, and called him “one of a kind.”

“I just got word like everyone else that the beautiful Richard Simmons has passed,” Shore wrote. “I hope you’re at peace and twinkling up in the heavens. Please give my mother Mitzi and my father Sammy a big hug and a kiss for me.”

He added that Simmons lived “an amazing life” with “an amazing story.”

“They broke the dolphin shorts when they made you. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace,” Shore concluded.

Richard Simmons dies: Fitness pioneer dead 1 day after 76th birthday

In January, Shore made headlines for an interview with Entertainment Weekly, where he confirmed he was channeling the fitness legend for a short film based on Simmons, titled “The Court Jester.”

Shore told the outlet at the time that Simmons was supportive of the film but not involved. But later, Simmons cleared the air in a statement posted to his official Facebook page, refuting Shore’s claim.

Actor Emerson Collins, known for roles in “Shafted” (2023) and “Six Characters in Search of a Play” (2019), shared he was saddened to hear of Simmons’ death.

“A man whose joy in what he did made it accessible to so many,” Collins wrote. “Years ago I asked him for a photo after we performed on a benefit. It came out so hilariously bad with the green room wall, I cut it out and made a nonsense story with it. At the time I just couldn’t stop giggling, thinking he’d be amused by it too.”

He added: “And I think the purity of his delightful expression is something so resistant to cynicism that we could all use a bit more of in our lives.”

Adam Sandler, Ross Mathews, Marlee Matlin remember Dr. Ruth

Adam Sandler took to X to reflect on Dr. Ruth's impact: "Always loved Dr. Ruth," he wrote. "Going to miss her a lot. She always made us smile. Sending love to her family and thanks for everything."

Ross Mathews a TV host ("The Drew Barrymore Show") and judge ("RuPaul's Drag Race"), shared a photo from his interview with Dr. Ruth last year.

"I got to interview Dr. Ruth in Feb 2023. She was hilarious, sharp & specific. Here she is telling me exactly what to ask her during the interview. Obvi, I did as instructed. Game changer. Grateful I got to meet her. She passed yesterday at 96 years old. Bravo, Doctor."

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Film producer Patrick Scott Patterson shared two photos side by side on X, paying tribute to Dr. Ruth and Simmons. “Wow,” he wrote. “I’m hard pressed to think of two people who got more air time helping people in the 1980s and 1990s than these two icons.”

“Truly (an) end of an era type day,” Patterson added. “Thoughts with their family and friends today.”

Oscar-winning actress Marlee Matlin wrote on X, "She was honest, she was funny and she was smart. Best of all she was the nicest. May her memory be a blessing to her family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her."

Psychotherapist Esther Perel also said she was "deeply saddened" to hear of Dr. Ruth's death.

"To me, she was the woman who understood pain and loss, and who became the outspoken voice on the erotic," Perel said. "Her influence extended beyond the realm of sex; she embodied aliveness, vibrancy, pleasure, and joy. That bold message resonated deeply with me."

Contributing: Brendan Morrow

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Richard Simmons, Dr. Ruth interview video goes viral after deaths