Fitness pioneer Richard Simmons dies one day after 76th birthday

Richard Simmons, a fitness guru known for his little shorts and big personality as the king of home exercise videos, has died at age 76, one day after his birthday and on the heels of an interview in which he reported feeling good.

Simmons died at his home in Hollywood on Saturday morning, his longtime publicist, Tom Estey, confirmed with USA TODAY. TMZ was first to report the death of Simmons, who turned 76 on Friday.

About the possible cause of death, Estey said he had "no idea." Earlier this year, Simmons announced on Facebook he had been diagnosed with skin cancer after seeing a dermatologist about a "strange-looking bump" under his right eye. Simmons had basal cell carcinoma.

In a rare interview with People magazine this week, Simmons said he might blow out some candles for his birthday. "But the candle will probably be on a zucchini," Simmons told the outlet. "You know, I'm a vegetarian."