Jack LaLanne Dead at 96

Al Truscott

He was the Godfather, the great, great grandfather of physical fitness. Good nutrition, exercise for health, fitness clubs, exercise videos - he started it all. He used to pull stunts like swimming across SF bay while pulling a large yacht behind him - the original show-off triathlete, really. My favorite quote of his, when asked at age 89 how much longer he could go on, "I can't die, it would ruin my image." People my age grew up watching him on daytime TV, right next to the kiddie clown shows and Three Stooges movies. He seemed just as goofy, but as I grew up, I realised I wanted to be like him - he was a prophet almost before his time. He was no joke; he lived the life he was trying to sell to others, and it showed in his health and longevity. Give him a nod sometime today.

chris malone

Loved Jack. I remember watching him as a kid. Long stretchy stirrup pants, crazy energy. Long live Jack LaLanne.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isLJ024EdMA

jburbatt

I was just watching him last week because the car dealership I was in had the workout show with him and his wife playing on the TV. While odd in the middle of a car dealership, it was impressive just watching him. I also used to see him a lot on late night infomercials for his juicer.

Coach Patrick

I agree, Al. He really lived what he was doing, despite all the selling stuff -- so few folks are that real or genuine today (cuz it just ain't easy!!!).

Nemo Brauch

Absolutely a guy that made a huge impact on the world, not just for what he preached, but for how he lived his life. From what I understand, he was the first to suggest women lift weights. Very cool dude. RIP Jack (although something tells me that even in death, there will be no resting for Jack!)

Michele Cellai

Broke my hear to see he had passed. Feel really sad for his wife, they were quite the pair. RIP.

Paul Hough

Oh yeah...I watched him on TV in the 60s when I was a kid. I thought he was awesome. He was on TV a few months ago -- I can't remember which talk show -- but he was all there. I'm sorry he didn't make it past 100, but what an example for all us!