Richard Simmons Speaks Out Against Unauthorized Biopic Starring Pauly Shore
Fitness Guru Disapproves of Warner Bros. Project
In a surprising turn of events, Richard Simmons has publicly expressed his disapproval of an upcoming biopic about his life, titled “The Richard Simmons Story.” The film, produced by Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization, stars Pauly Shore as the iconic fitness guru.
Simmons’ Statement on Social Media
Taking to Facebook, Simmons shared a heartfelt message addressing the biopic controversy. He categorically denied any involvement or endorsement, emphasizing his desire for privacy and a peaceful life. Simmons’ statement serves as a clear indication of his discomfort with the unauthorized portrayal of his life story.
“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,” Simmons wrote. “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 Short Film “The Court Jester”
Adding to the confusion surrounding the biopic is the existence of a short film titled “The Court Jester,” also starring Pauly Shore as Richard Simmons. Directed by Jake Lewis, this short film will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19th, followed by its release on YouTube. However, it is crucial to note that this short film is unrelated to the biopic produced by The Wolper Organization.
The Wolper Organization’s Response
In response to Simmons’ disapproval, The Wolper Organization released a statement expressing their respect for his privacy. They acknowledged Simmons’ desire to maintain a private life and stated that they would produce a movie that honors, celebrates, and tells a dramatic story about him. The production company emphasized their intention to avoid invading Simmons’ privacy while recognizing his profound impact on millions of lives.
“While we would love to have [Simmons] 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 stated.
Richard Simmons’ Rise to Fame and Subsequent Disappearance
Richard Simmons is a legendary figure in the world of fitness, renowned for his flamboyant personality and successful “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” aerobics videos. He became a household name through frequent appearances on popular television shows, where he shared his advice and weight-loss strategies with audiences. However, in 2014, Simmons mysteriously disappeared from public life, sparking concern among his fans and followers. In 2016, he broke his silence in a phone interview with “Today,” stating that he preferred privacy and was not being held hostage.
Pauly Shore’s Excitement and the Biopic’s Potential Tone
Despite Simmons’ disapproval, Pauly Shore expressed his enthusiasm for portraying the fitness guru in the biopic. He emphasized the importance of sharing Simmons’ life story with the world, highlighting his contributions to mental health, fitness, and authentic self-expression. Mark Wolper, from The Wolper Organization, revealed that they are in discussions with a prominent writer to develop the movie as a “dramatic and heartfelt feature in the tone of ‘Little Miss Sunshine.'”
Conclusion
The unauthorized Richard Simmons biopic, with Pauly Shore in the lead role, has encountered a significant hurdle with Simmons’ public disapproval. The Wolper Organization’s response indicates their intention to proceed with the project while respecting Simmons’ privacy. The short film “The Court Jester” adds another layer of complexity to the situation. As the biopic’s development continues, it remains to be seen how it will navigate the challenges posed by Simmons’ stance and the complexities of his life story.