Richard Simmons Denies Involvement in Unauthorized Biopic Starring Pauly Shore
Fitness Icon Distances Himself from Upcoming Project
In a rare public 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 took to Facebook on Wednesday to express his disapproval of the project, denying any involvement or permission for the film.
Simmons’ Statement on Facebook:
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore.” Simmons wrote in his Facebook post. “I have never given my permission for his 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.”
Simmons’ statement highlights his desire for privacy and his preference for living a peaceful life away from the public eye. He emphasized that he has no connection to the biopic and urges his followers not to believe everything they read about it.
The Wolper Organization’s Response:
Despite Simmons’ lack of endorsement, The Wolper Organization, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers, remains committed to producing the biopic. In a statement, 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. “He is an amazing person, that changed millions of peoples’ lives and the effect he has had on the world needs to be recognized.”
The Wolper Organization’s statement indicates its belief in the importance of telling Simmons’ story and its determination to do so in a respectful and accurate manner.
Pauly Shore’s Excitement for the Project:
Actor and comedian Pauly Shore, known for his eccentric and energetic personality, expressed his excitement about playing the role of Richard Simmons in the biopic. He sees the project as an opportunity to share Simmons’ life and legacy 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.”
Shore’s enthusiasm for the role suggests his commitment to portraying Simmons in a positive and entertaining light.
Simmons’ Disappearance from the Public Eye:
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. His sudden disappearance sparked rumors and conspiracy theories, including one claiming he was held hostage by his housekeeper.
In 2016, Simmons debunked the hostage theory during a phone interview with Savannah Guthrie on “TODAY.” He also filed a defamation lawsuit against the National Enquirer and Radar Online for publishing articles alleging he had undergone gender reassignment surgery. However, the lawsuit was unsuccessful, and Simmons was ordered to pay around $130,000 in attorney fees to the media outlets and their publisher.
Simmons’ decision to distance himself from the public eye has fueled speculation and curiosity about his life and well-being. The upcoming biopic, whether endorsed by Simmons or not, is likely to generate renewed interest in his story and legacy.
Conclusion:
Richard Simmons’ denial of involvement in the upcoming biopic starring Pauly Shore has sparked a mix of reactions among fans and the media. While some express disappointment, others remain hopeful that the film will be a respectful and accurate portrayal of the fitness icon’s life and legacy. As the project continues to move forward, it remains to be seen how Simmons’ disapproval will impact its production and eventual release.