Richard Simmons Distances Himself from Biopic Starring Pauly Shore

Privacy-Seeking Fitness Icon Disavows Upcoming Film

In a rare social media statement, fitness icon and pop culture phenomenon 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 TV personality denied any involvement in the film, emphasizing his desire for privacy and a peaceful life.

Simmons’ Facebook Statement: A Call for Discernment

Taking to Facebook on Wednesday, Simmons addressed the biopic, expressing his disapproval and urging his followers to be discerning about the information they consume.

“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore,” Simmons wrote. “I have never given my permission for his movie. So don’t believe everything you read.”

Simmons reiterated his desire for a quiet life, stating, “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: Respecting Simmons’ Wishes

Despite Simmons’ lack of endorsement, The Wolper Organization, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers, remains committed to producing the biopic. The company expressed its respect for Simmons’ desire for privacy and its intention to create a film that honors and celebrates his life story.

“While we would love to have him involved, we respect his desire to privacy and plan to produce a movie that honors him, celebrates him and tells a dramatic story,” the Wolper Organization said in a statement. “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 Enthusiasm for the Project: Sharing Simmons’ Inspiring Story

Known for his comedic roles, Pauly Shore expressed his excitement for portraying Richard Simmons on screen. He viewed the biopic as an opportunity to share Simmons’ inspiring story with the world.

“We all need this biopic now more than ever,” Shore said in a statement. “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’ Disappearance from Public Eye: A Mystery Unraveled

After decades of public appearances on TV shows, game shows, and as a pitchman for diet plans and his popular “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos, Simmons abruptly stopped making public appearances in 2014 without any explanation.

His sudden disappearance sparked rumors and conspiracy theories, including one that claimed he was being held hostage by his housekeeper. Simmons personally debunked this theory in a phone interview with Savannah Guthrie on “TODAY” in 2016.

Defamation Lawsuit against National Enquirer and Radar Online: Defending His Reputation

In 2017, Simmons filed a defamation lawsuit against the National Enquirer and Radar Online for publishing a series of articles alleging that he had undergone gender reassignment surgery. The lawsuit was unsuccessful, and Simmons was ordered to pay approximately $130,000 in attorney fees to the media outlets and their publisher.

Conclusion: A Tale of Privacy, Legacy, and the Power of Inspiration

Richard Simmons’ decision to distance himself from the upcoming biopic highlights his desire for privacy and his preference for a quiet life away from the spotlight. Despite his lack of involvement, The Wolper Organization remains committed to producing a film that honors and celebrates his life story. Pauly Shore’s enthusiasm for the project reflects his admiration for Simmons’ impact on mental health, fitness, and pop culture.

The biopic will likely delve into Simmons’ rise to fame, his groundbreaking contributions to the fitness industry, and his personal struggles. It will be interesting to see how the film portrays Simmons’ iconic personality and his enduring legacy as a fitness icon and cultural phenomenon.