In an intriguing twist to Hollywood’s casting stories, actor Pauly Shore is slated to step into the energetic shoes of beloved fitness personality Richard Simmons in a forthcoming biopic currently in the works at The Wolper Organization, a division of Warner Bros. This news surfaces alongside another project involving Shore as Simmons—a short film titled “The Court Jester,” which is soon to debut outside the official lineup at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival.
The genesis of Shore taking on the role of the flamboyant fitness guru can be traced back to a meme that caught the eye of social media users last year, drawing comparisons between their physical likenesses. Shore, seizing the moment, openly expressed his enthusiasm about the idea of portraying Simmons on the big screen. As plans unfolded, Warner Bros’ subsidiary confirmed that a feature-length biopic was advancing through its development stages, a testament to Shore’s influence and prevailing interest in Simmons’s larger-than-life character.
Unexpectedly, Richard Simmons himself responded to the announcement of the biopic with apprehension. In a candid Facebook post addressed to his followers, the 75-year-old Simmons articulated his stance: “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. 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. Richard.”
Simmons became an American cultural phenomenon in the 1980s, ushering in a fitness revolution with his lively and accessible “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” aerobics video series. Beneath his vivacious and eccentric exterior was a motivational force that inspired many to strive for a healthier lifestyle. However, in a move that sparked widespread speculation and concern, Simmons retreated from the public spotlight in 2014, subsequently leading to rumors about his well-being. In 2016, in response to the swirling gossip, Simmons reconnected with the public to confirm that his disappearance was a conscious decision driven by a desire for privacy.
As for Pauly Shore, the actor is channeling his incarnation of Simmons in the short film “The Court Jester,” with direction by Jake Lewis. The film, which is stirring curiosity among festivalgoers and online audiences, also features Tamra Brown as talk show icon Ellen DeGeneres and Jesse Heiman in the role of a TV producer who experiences a transformative weight loss journey inspired by Simmons’s fitness philosophy. After its premiere at Sundance on January 19, this quirky and poignant film is set to become accessible to wider audiences through YouTube, allowing more viewers to engage with Shore’s portrayal of the much-adored fitness legend.
The convergence of Shore’s comedic path with Simmons’s inspirational narrative is already drawing mixed feelings from fans and industry observers alike. While the biopic steadily advances through the stages of development, the uncertainty surrounding Simmons’s endorsement of the project clouds the prospects of its reception. Whether audiences will flock to witness this depiction of fitness royalty or follow Simmons’s own wary approach remains to be seen. Regardless, there is no denying that in a quiet living room or a dazzling theater, Richard Simmons’s impact on fitness and entertainment continues to echo in the hearts of those he inspired.
