Just shortly after Richard Simmons’ passing at the age of 76, a dispute has erupted between his family and actor Pauly Shore concerning Shore’s intention to create a biopic about the renowned fitness icon.
Earlier this year, Shore disclosed that he was in discussions to portray the lead role in the film about the beloved workout video star, but Simmons quickly clarified that he was not in agreement.
“Hello Everyone!” Simmons expressed in a January social media post. “You might have heard that a movie about me with Pauly Shore is in the works. I have not given my consent for this film. So please don’t believe everything you hear.”
He continued, “I strive to lead a tranquil life and seek peace. I appreciate all your love and support.”
PAULY SHORE’S INTERPRETATION OF RICHARD SIMMONS IS HAPPENING DESPITE FITNESS GURU’S DISAPPROVAL
Just weeks after Richard Simmons’ passing, his family is in disagreement with actor Pauly Shore about his plans to create a biopic on the fitness legend’s life. (Evan Agostini/Harry Langdon)
Recently, Shore told Entertainment Tonight that he intends to continue with the film despite Simmons’ objections and his subsequent death.
“I know he would have wanted me to do it,” Shore stated during a car interview. “I can’t even confirm if that was him tweeting all along. I don’t know who was behind those messages.”
RICHARD SIMMONS EXPERIENCED ONLY ‘BEAUTIFUL BRIGHT RAINBOWS’ IN THE LAST WEEKS OF HIS LIFE
This Wednesday, Simmons’ team commented, “Pauly Shore has made recent statements to Entertainment Tonight regarding his efforts to advance an unauthorized film about Richard. You may have seen Richard’s own remarks regarding the biopic on his account.”
The team also shared a statement from Richard’s brother, Lenny: ‘Dicky always wrote his own posts. He would spend a week refining them to convey the right message. He frequently reviewed them with Cathy and me beforehand.’
Additionally, Lenny stated, “He has NOT contacted Pauly through text, email, or call; not even to say ‘Good Luck,’ as Pauly has often claimed.”
A representative for Simmons confirmed the validity of Lenny’s statement to Fox News Digital.
In January, Shore posted on Instagram that if he had the “chance to star in a Richard Simmons biopic, I will commit fully, as I take this very seriously. I will embody the body, spirit, and essence of Richard Simmons.”
Simmons passed away on July 13 due to a likely heart attack, just one day after celebrating his 76th birthday. (Getty Images)
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He added, “Richard, if you’re watching, I’m sending nothing but love your way, brother. Let’s see if we can collaborate to create something beautiful for everyone to appreciate and spread your message.”
The film is set to follow the release of a short film Shore created about Simmons titled “The Court Jester,” which was filmed before Christmas and showcased at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
“He has NOT reached out to Pauly via text, email, or call; not even to send him ‘Good Luck’ as Pauly has claimed numerous times.”
RICHARD SIMMONS LAID TO REST ‘SURROUNDED BY ONLY FAMILY AND CLOSEST FRIENDS’
In September, Shore revealed that he had contacted Simmons about the biopic, “and his representatives conveyed that Richard loves me and my mom (who he has known for years), but he is graciously opting out. He expressed that he desires to maintain his privacy at this moment, which we all must respect. Richard, we all miss you, love you dearly, and wish you nothing but the best. You’re in our hearts, and you can always reach out to me if you have a change of heart.”
Simmons passed away on July 13 due to a likely heart attack, just one day after his 76th birthday.
“I don’t want people to mourn my brother,” Lenny said on social media a day after Simmons’ death. “I want everyone to remember him for the true joy and love he brought into lives. He genuinely cared about people. Throughout his career, he called, wrote to, and emailed thousands to provide support.”
Lenny Simmons stated that his brother did not “text, email or call Pauly with anything; not even to wish him ‘Good Luck’ as Pauly has asserted numerous times.” (Getty Images)
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Shore honored Simmons on social media the day of his passing.
“I just learned, like everyone else, that the wonderful Richard Simmons has left us,” he wrote alongside a photo of the fitness icon. “May you rest in peace and be sparkling in the heavens. Please give a big hug and kiss to my mother Mitzi and father Sammy from me. You are one of a kind, Richard. An extraordinary life. An incredible story. They broke the mold when they made you. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace.”
He also shared a video featuring a couple he met at GalaxyCon in North Carolina, who believed “The Court Jester” was “Oscar-worthy.”
Shore announced this year that he was in negotiations to lead a film chronicling the life of the workout video legend, but Simmons decisively stated he was not interested. (Steve Granitz/FilmMagic)
“We absolutely loved it. Please consider making a full film of that,” he relayed from the man he encountered at the convention.
Shore concluded in his caption: “We love you Richard! Your story is truly remarkable.”
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In January, Shore informed Variety that his “motivation has always been based on love” when it comes to storytelling. “It has never stemmed from malice. I’m not Borat. I don’t mean to mock anyone. It’s the exact opposite. Right now, it stands as an unauthorized biopic which are common. Yes, it’s my hope that he acknowledges this and says, ‘Go for it, Pauly.’ We wish to leave him undisturbed while we pay homage to him and celebrate his contributions.”
Fox News Digital has reached out to Shore for further comments.
