Fitness instructor Richard Simmons has come out to publicly disassociate himself from a proposed biopic meant to “honor him,” stating that he wasn’t on board from the start.
The film, which is being developed by Warner Bros subsidiary – The Wolper Organization, will see comedian Pauly Shore playing Simmons.
It follows an unrelated short film about Simmons titled “The Court Jester,” which also stars Shore as the iconic fitness guru and will premiere at Sundance on January 19.
Richard Simmons Says He’s Not Giving Permission to New Movie
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The whole incident happened just hours after actor Pauly Shore announced on Facebook on Wednesday that he would be playing Simmons in an upcoming movie.
Simmons, who has since led a reclusive lifestyle since he was last seen publicly in 2014, took to Facebook to dismiss the project, stating, “I never gave my permission for this movie.”
“Hey guys! You may have heard they might be making a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I never gave permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read,” the 75-year-old wrote.
“I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have publicity. I just try to live a calm and peaceful life. Thank you for all your love and support. Richard,” he added.
Pauly Shore Says He’s Trying to Contact a Fitness Instructor
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Before recently announcing that he would be portraying the iconic fitness guru, Shore shared his excitement about “sharing Richard Simmons’ life with the world” before going on to praise him and everything he stands for, stating that he “represents mental health,” and “gets people in shape body.”
The “Encino Man” star previously made it clear that he was playing by the rules after revealing that he had been trying to contact the former “Richard Simmons Show” host, whose whereabouts remain a mystery.
“I’ve noticed all the reactions to me playing Richard Simmons in the new biopic,” the 55-year-old actor wrote on Facebook in September last year. “I heard he lives far away in Big Bear. We’ve been playing phone tag (yes, he still has a phone). I’m trying to make it happen for you all. Be optimistic.”
Shore continued, “Meanwhile, hit up Hulu, Amazon, Disney, HBO, and all the big producers. I can definitely turn into this guy. I’ll see you at the 2025 Academy Awards.”
Film Aims To ‘Homage’ Richard Simmons
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Although Simmons’ blessing was not given as he claimed, The Wolper Organization – the producer of the biopic, told Diversity that their intention behind the film was to “honor him,” as well as share with the world what a profound influence he had on the lives of millions.
“While we want to have it [Simmons] involved, we respect his desire for privacy and plan to produce a film that honors him, celebrates him, and tells a dramatic story,” the production company shared in a statement to the news outlet.
They added, “We know he is very private and we would never want to intrude on that, but he is an amazing person who changed the lives of millions, and his impact on the world needs to be recognized.”
To emphasize the company’s enthusiasm to continue development of the film, Mark Wolper of The Wolper Organization stated that the company is in “serious discussions with a lead writer” to develop the film as a “dramatic and heartfelt feature in the vein of ‘Little Miss Sunshine.’ ‘”
Richard Simmons Fade From The Spotlight
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The status of the “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” exercise video instructor is still a question that begs for answers, especially from his fans and acquaintances.
Speculation ran high about her well-being at the time, with some suggesting she had been held hostage by a maid, while others claimed she was disabled or depressed.
follow TMZLAPD sources claimed in 2016 that they were going to check on him multiple times following the incessant calls, but Simmons was fine at the time and just wanted to keep his privacy.
Following a documentary by a news channel in 2022 titled, “What Ever Happened To Richard Simmons?” reps for Simmons shared in a statement with New York Post that he is “forever grateful for the constant outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from all over the world. He is happy, healthy, and living the life he chose to live.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
