Pauly Shore is wearing shorts and sweating to the oldies as he prepares to play fitness guru Richard Simmons in a biopic.
Shore said, "I'm really excited about sharing Richard Simmon's life with the world. We all need this biopic now more than ever. Simmons represented mental health, getting people in shape and being his authentic silly self!"
During the 80s and 90s, Simmons was a massive fitness influencer, back before being an influencer was a thing.
He was a kind-hearted man who connected with people struggling with mental and physical health.
His popular fitness videos like "Sweating to the Oldies" were a staple in the people-at-home video collection.
He disappeared from public life over a decade ago.
However, Simmons says he has not given his permission for the film to be made. In a Facebook message, he said, "I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support."
The Wolper Organization, who is producing the film, said, "While we would love to have Simmons involved, we respect his desire for privacy and plan to produce a movie that honours him, celebrates him and tells a dramatic story."
In addition to the biopic, Shore is playing Simmons in a short film called "The Court Jester," which premieres at Sundance this weekend and will be available on YouTube Friday.
The two projects are unrelated. You can check out the teaser for "The Court Jester " below.
Feature image by Associated Press by Richard Shotwell & Evan Agostini
