Richard Simmons Distances Himself from Unauthorized Biopic Starring Pauly Shore

In a surprising turn of events, fitness icon Richard Simmons has publicly denounced the upcoming biopic about his life, starring actor and comedian Pauly Shore. The film, currently in development at The Wolper Organization, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers, has faced resistance from Simmons, who has expressed his disapproval and lack of involvement in the project.

Simmons’ Social Media Statement

In a rare social media appearance, Simmons took to Facebook to address the biopic, stating, “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 emphasized his desire for privacy, saying, “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 remains committed to producing the biopic. In a statement to NBC News, 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.“

The organization acknowledged Simmons’ significant impact, stating, “He is an amazing person that changed millions of people’s lives and the effect he has had on the world needs to be recognized.“

Pauly Shore’s Enthusiasm for the Project

Actor Pauly Shore, known for his comedic roles and eccentric personality, expressed his excitement about portraying Richard Simmons in the biopic. 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.“

Shore previously portrayed Simmons in a short film titled “The Court Jester,” directed by Jake Lewis. However, this short film is unrelated to the upcoming feature film.

Simmons’ Absence from Public Life

After decades of public appearances on TV shows, game shows, and as a spokesperson for diet plans and his popular “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” workout videos, Simmons abruptly stopped making public appearances in 2014, leaving fans and the media puzzled about his sudden disappearance.

Rumors and conspiracy theories began to circulate, including claims that he was being held hostage by his housekeeper. Simmons himself debunked these rumors in 2016 during a phone interview with Savannah Guthrie on TODAY.

Legal Troubles and Defamation Lawsuit

In 2017, Simmons filed a defamation lawsuit against the National Enquirer and Radar Online for publishing a series of articles alleging 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

The unauthorized biopic about Richard Simmons’ life has sparked controversy due to Simmons’ disapproval and lack of involvement. While The Wolper Organization intends to proceed with the film, respecting Simmons’ desire for privacy, the project’s future remains uncertain. Simmons’ legacy as a fitness icon and pop culture personality continues to inspire and entertain, despite his absence from the public eye.