The family of the late fitness icon Richard Simmons has expressed discontent over recent remarks made by actor and comedian Pauly Shore. Simmons, who passed away on July 13 at his Hollywood home, was known for his charismatic fitness videos and TV appearances. Shore, who is set to portray Simmons in an upcoming biopic, has made statements that have stirred controversy among Simmons’ family and staff.
Richard Simmons, Legendary Fitness Guru, Dies Aged 76; Pauly Shore Pays Tribute Following Controversial Biopic https://t.co/Q9tedEEae7
— Robert DeFelice (@dudefelice) August 1, 2024
Shore, in an interview with “Entertainment Tonight,” suggested that Simmons had approved of him playing the role in the biopic. He questioned the authenticity of Simmons’ social media posts that were critical of the casting choice, implying they might not have been written by Simmons himself. “I know he wanted me to do it,” Shore said, adding, “I don’t even know if that was him tweeting the whole time. I don’t know who that was.”
In response, Simmons’ staff and family took to social media to clarify the situation. A post on Simmons’ official X account stated, “Pauly Shore has recently made comments to Entertainment Tonight concerning his attempts to proceed with an unauthorized movie about Richard. You’ve seen here on Richard’s account what he had to say about the biopic.” The post emphasized that Simmons had personally written all his social media posts, often preparing them a week in advance and reviewing them with his brother Lenny and other close associates.
🎥 Exciting news! Pauly Shore gives update on Richard Simmons biopic status – film still in the works! 🌟 #RichardSimmons #Biopic #PaulyShore https://t.co/zmYoRx7rP7
— Gent News 🙈🙉🙊 (@GentNewsCom) July 31, 2024
Lenny Simmons, Richard’s brother, further confirmed that Richard had never communicated with Shore about the biopic, contrary to Shore’s claims. Lenny stated, “Dicky absolutely wrote his own posts. He worked on them a week in advance, going over and over them to get the right message.” He added that Richard never texted, emailed, or called Shore, let alone wished him “Good Luck.”
This isn’t the first time the proposed biopic has faced criticism. Earlier in the year, Richard Simmons publicly disapproved of the project, specifically calling out Shore’s involvement. In a Facebook post, Simmons wrote, “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.”
Shore, known for his comedic roles, has insisted that he feels a deep connection with Simmons. In a January interview with Entertainment Weekly, he remarked on the physical and personality similarities he shares with the fitness guru. “I am him. I like helping people. I like health. I like putting that energy out there,” Shore said, relating his own life experiences to Simmons’ career in promoting health and fitness.
Pauly Shore Does Not Have Richard Simmons’ Family Blessings On Biopic https://t.co/13L26debh0
— The Blast (@TheBlastNews) July 31, 2024
Key Points:
i. Pauly Shore faces backlash from Richard Simmons’ family over comments about an unauthorized biopic.
ii. Simmons’ family confirmed he personally wrote critical social media posts about the biopic and Shore’s involvement.
iii. Shore claimed Simmons approved of his role, but the family denies any communication between Simmons and Shore.
iv. Simmons had publicly disapproved of the biopic earlier this year, seeking to live a peaceful, private life.
v. The controversy underscores the challenges of representing public figures posthumously in media.
Lap Fu Ip – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
