Richard Simmons Distances Himself from Biopic Starring Pauly Shore
Fitness Icon Denies Involvement, Urges Fans to “Not Believe Everything You Read”
In a rare social media statement, fitness icon Richard Simmons has distanced himself from an upcoming biopic about his life starring actor and comedian Pauly Shore. The reclusive former weight loss guru and pop culture personality denied having any part in the film and urged his fans not to believe everything they read.
Simmons’ Statement on Facebook
On Wednesday, Simmons took to Facebook to address the biopic, expressing his lack of involvement and his desire for privacy. He wrote:
Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read. I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support.
The Wolper Organization’s Response
Despite Simmons’ disapproval, The Wolper Organization, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers, remains committed to producing the film. In a statement, the company said:
While we would love to have him involved, we respect his desire for privacy and plan to produce a movie that honors him, celebrates him, and tells a dramatic story. He is an amazing person that changed millions of peoples’ lives, and the effect he has had on the world needs to be recognized.
Pauly Shore’s Excitement for the Project
Shore, known for his comedic roles and energetic personality, expressed his enthusiasm for portraying Simmons on screen. He stated:
We all need this biopic now more than ever. Simmons represented mental health, getting people in shape, and being his authentic silly self! Whenever he was on TV, you could never take your eyes off of him, and he brought such a joy to his appearances that represented nothing but a good time.
Simmons’ Absence from the Public Eye
Simmons’ decision to step away from the public eye in 2014 sparked rumors and conspiracy theories about his whereabouts and well-being. In 2016, he debunked a claim that he was being held hostage by his housekeeper during a phone interview on “TODAY” with Savannah Guthrie.
Legal Battle with National Enquirer and Radar Online
In 2017, Simmons filed a defamation lawsuit against the National Enquirer and Radar Online for publishing articles alleging that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery. The lawsuit was ultimately unsuccessful, and Simmons was ordered to pay around $130,000 in attorney fees to the media outlets and their publisher.
Conclusion
The upcoming biopic about Richard Simmons’ life has generated mixed reactions. While The Wolper Organization and Pauly Shore remain committed to honoring Simmons’ legacy, his public distancing from the project raises questions about the authenticity and accuracy of the portrayal. Simmons’ desire for privacy and his past legal battles add further complexity to the situation. It remains to be seen how the film will navigate these challenges and whether it will ultimately succeed in capturing the essence of the fitness icon’s life and impact.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on the upcoming Richard Simmons biopic? Do you think it will be a fair and accurate portrayal of his life and legacy? Share your opinion in the comments below!