- Richard Simmons became a fitness icon in the 1980s
- A new film about his life is set to be released soon
- Simmons did not take kindly to the news
This story like a punch of nostalgia, right to the feels. There's a biopic that's causing more jumps and jives than a high-energy workout session! The scoop is out, and the sweat is dripping with controversy as Simmons steps up to set the record straight. There is a new movie about his life coming, and he is not having any of it
Richard speaks his mind
In a statement as rare as a calm day in celebrity land, Simmons took to his Facebook page to pump the brakes on the buzz that comedic actor Pauly Shore is set to portray him in a feature film. "I have never given my permission for this movie. So don’t believe everything you read," Simmons exclaimed, his words echoing through the halls of Hollywood.
The former fitness guru who retreated from public life nearly 10 years ago, issued a rare statement on Wednesday to clarify he had not signed off on the project while reiterating his desire to "live a quiet life and be peaceful."
"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 on Facebook. "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 man who made us 'Sweat to the Oldies' is craving a peaceful life, away from the spotlight's glare.
The Wolper Organization, a branch of the Warner Bros. family tree, is pumping iron to produce this biopic bonanza. Despite Simmons' step-touch away from the project, the producers are leaping with enthusiasm. "We respect his desire for privacy and plan to produce a movie that honors him," they stated, aiming to craft a cinematic salute to Simmons' impact on the world.
Enter Pauly Shore
The "Encino Man" himself, Pauly Shore, is bouncing with excitement about the role. "We all need this biopic now more than ever," Shore declared, ready to don the iconic striped shorts and tank top.
Shore said he was "really excited about sharing Richard Simmons’s life with the world”, adding the world needs to see the movie "now more than ever" in a statement obtained by 'Variety' magazine.
It's hard to deny that the resemblance is pretty uncanny!
The 55-year-old comedian added: "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."But the Wolper Organisation said, "we know he is deeply private and we would never want to invade that, however he is an amazing person that changed millions of peoples’ lives, and the effect he has had on the world needs to be recognised," the statement read.
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But what slice of Simmons' sweat-soaked saga will make the cut? The production team hints at a heartfelt narrative, think 'Little Miss Sunshine' with more cardio. Meanwhile, Simmons, the pied piper of positivity, has kept a low profile, leaving fans curious about his current chapter.
And if that's not enough Richard for your regimen, Shore is also slipping into Simmons' sneakers for a short film, 'The Court Jester,' premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. It's a double dose of Simmons, served with a side of Shore!
So, as the fitness world and film fanatics await the next twist in this Hollywood workout, remember to keep your eyes peeled and your gossip appetite ready for more!
