Actor and comedian Pauly Shore is set to portray fitness icon Richard Simmons in a new biopic currently in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization. The film, which follows a short film about Simmons also starring Shore, aims to capture the life and career of one of the biggest fitness celebrities and exercise gurus ever. However, the project has faced controversy as Simmons himself has disavowed the biopic, stating he never gave permission for the movie.
By Aubree Ross
The Controversy Surrounding the Biopic
Richard Simmons, known for his flamboyant personality and successful line of “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” aerobics videos, has publicly disavowed the project. Despite this, the film is moving forward, with additional casting underway. This situation raises questions about the portrayal of public figures in biopics, especially when they are based on living individuals who have not consented to their stories being told.
Shore’s Enthusiasm for the Role
Pauly Shore expressed excitement about sharing Richard Simmons’s life with the world, emphasizing Simmons’s impact on mental health, fitness, and his authentic, joyful presence on television. Shore’s portrayal of Simmons in the short film “The Court Jester,” which premiered at Sundance, has been well-received, setting the stage for his role in the full-length biopic.
Simmons’s Legacy and Disappearance
Richard Simmons became a household name due to his eccentric personality and appearances on shows like “Late Night With David Letterman” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” In his later career, he turned to political activism, advocating for physical education in public schools. In 2014, Simmons mysteriously disappeared from public life, leading to widespread concern among his fans. In 2016, he assured the public via a phone interview that he was not being held hostage and simply preferred privacy.
The Wolper Organization’s Vision
Mark Wolper of The Wolper Organization, known for producing historical dramas and biopics, sees an amazing, dramatic, and uplifting story to tell about Richard Simmons. The studio, responsible for acclaimed projects like “Roots” and “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory,” aims to develop the biopic in the tone of “Little Miss Sunshine,” focusing on the dramatic and heartfelt aspects of Simmons’s life and career.
The upcoming Richard Simmons biopic, starring Pauly Shore, presents an intriguing blend of drama, comedy, and controversy. While Simmons’s disavowal of the project adds a layer of complexity, the film promises to offer a unique perspective on the life of a fitness icon who left a lasting impact on the industry. As the project progresses, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the challenges of portraying a living figure who has chosen a life away from the public eye.