Just when excitement was brewing over the announcement of a biopic featuring Pauly Shore as Richard Simmons, the fitness icon himself has come forward to express his disapproval of the film.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Simmons made it clear that he had never given permission for the movie and urged his fans not to believe everything they read. He explained that he no longer has a manager or publicist and longs for a quiet and peaceful life. Despite his absence from the public eye, Simmons expressed gratitude for the love and support he continues to receive.
Meanwhile, Shore is set to star as Simmons in a short film titled “The Court Jester,” which will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival on January 19 before being released on YouTube. However, this short film is unrelated to the biopic, which is being produced by Warner Bros. subsidiary, The Wolper Organization.
The Wolper Organization, in a statement to Variety, emphasized their respect for Simmons’ desire for privacy. They assured fans that their intention is to produce a movie that not only honors and celebrates Simmons but also tells a compelling story. Recognizing Simmons’ immense impact on the world and the millions of lives he has changed, the studio acknowledged the need to recognize his contributions while respecting his privacy.
Simmons, known for his flamboyant personality and his popular “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” aerobics videos, became a household name in the fitness world. He appeared on numerous television shows, sharing his advice and weight-loss strategies. However, in 2014, Simmons abruptly disappeared from public life, causing concern among his fans. In a phone interview with “Today” in 2016, he reassured everyone that he was not being held against his will and simply desired a private life.
Despite not receiving Simmons’ blessing for the biopic, Shore remains enthusiastic about portraying the fitness guru. He believes that sharing Simmons’ life with the world is crucial, emphasizing Simmons’ representation of mental health, fitness, and authenticity. Shore praised Simmons’ ability to captivate audiences and bring joy to his appearances.
Mark Wolper of The Wolper Organization revealed that they are in talks with a prominent writer to develop the biopic as a dramatic and heartfelt feature film. Wolper expressed his long-held interest in the project and credited the social media buzz surrounding Shore’s potential portrayal as the catalyst for bringing the idea to fruition.
While the controversy surrounding Simmons’ disapproval of the biopic remains, it is clear that The Wolper Organization is committed to respecting his privacy and creating a film that pays homage to his remarkable life. As we eagerly await more news on the production, let’s continue to celebrate Richard Simmons’ legacy and the positive impact he has had around the world.
Source: Variety