In a new biopic that is currently in development, Pauly Shore will soon be seen in a singlet and short shorts playing fitness guru Richard Simmons from the 1980s, but not with the 75-year-old’s approval.
“Hi Everybody!” Simmons posted something on social media on Wednesday. “You might have heard that Pauly Shore is possibly playing me in a movie. I never granted permission for this film to be made. Thus, be skeptical of everything you read. I am without a manager or publicist at this time.”
“I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful,” he continued. I appreciate all of your love and help.
The Hollywood Reporter claims that Simmons’ Facebook page is verified. Simmons’ last known representative was contacted by Fox News Digital, but they had no comment.
The film follows “The Court Jester,” a short film that Shore directed about Simmons that he claimed he completed before Christmas and will see its Sundance Film Festival debut later this week. On Saturday, it will also be accessible on YouTube.
On his 75th birthday, almost ten years after withdrawing from public life, Richard Simons provides a rare update.
In an Instagram video posted on Wednesday, Shore—best known for ’90s comedies like “Bio-Dome” and “Encino Man”—explained how he came to play Simmons. Three years ago, he made a series of humorous YouTube videos called “Sweatin’ with the Wiez” in his backyard in which he dressed and acted like Simmons. As a result, viewers began making memes that compared the two.
“There is no justice in the world if there’s ever a documentary on Richard Simmons and Pauly doesn’t get the role,” a commenter on a 2020 video stated.
Shore announced on Wednesday that he is in discussions with producers and writers who are submitting screenplays for the biopic.
