Richard Simmons, fitness icon and New Orleans native, has died

The big picture: Simmons, who was born in New Orleans, propelled a new generation of Americans into fitness with his positive attitude and good spirit.

• When the development and popularity of the VHS tape combined with at-home fitness, thousands were soon working out alongside Simmons and his characteristic enthusiasm and neon tanks and shorts.

Flashback: Simmons was born and raised in the French Quarter, according to the Historic New Orleans Collection, a museum in the same neighborhood.

• After college, he played a bit part in a Federico Fellini film, which "led to roles in Italian TV commercials—a dancing meatball singing a jingle; a bunch of grapes for Italy's version of Fruit of the Loom underwear," wrote Collin Makamson for HNOC.
• But Simmons' dissatisfaction with his weight led him to explore aerobics, and his life changed forever.

Zoom in: Simmons eventually opened his own fitness studio and never looked back.

• Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Simmons was synonymous with aerobics, and at-home workouts were often done as he offered guidance from a nearby TV set.

Yes, but: As workout culture shifted, Simmons slowly stepped out of the limelight.

• In recent years, his absence from pop culture confounded fans, especially as mysterious social media posts alluded to possible illness.
• A biopic has reported to be in the works, though Simmons reportedly hasn't authorized the production.