Hollywood actor and comedian Pauly Shore is set to portray fitness guru Richard Simmons in an upcoming biopic, which is currently in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary The Wolper Organization. The film marks Shore’s return to the big screen as he takes on the role of Simmons, a beloved figure in the world of fitness. Additional casting for the biopic is currently underway.
The biopic comes on the heels of an unrelated short film about Richard Simmons called “The Court Jester.” Directed and written by Jake Lewis, this film will premiere at Sundance on January 19. Alongside Shore as Simmons, it stars Tamra Brown as Ellen DeGeneres and Jesse Heiman as David, a television producer who transformed his life by losing 160 pounds with the help of Simmons. “The Court Jester” will be globally available on YouTube immediately after its premiere at Sundance.
Shore expressed his excitement about sharing Richard Simmons’s life story, emphasizing the importance of mental health, physical fitness, and embracing one’s authentic self. He described Simmons as a captivating personality who brought joy to every appearance. Mark Wolper of The Wolper Organization also shared his enthusiasm for the project, highlighting the similarities between Shore and Simmons and their shared desire to entertain and connect with their fans. He expressed his company’s commitment to develop the biopic as a dramatic and heartfelt feature, drawing inspiration from the critically acclaimed film “Little Miss Sunshine.”
The upcoming biopic aims to showcase the amazing, dramatic, and uplifting story of Richard Simmons’s life. The Wolper Organization, backed by decades of experience in producing historical dramas and biopics, recognizes the potential in this project. The team believes that Pauly Shore’s resemblance to Simmons, shared struggles with public perception, and the desire to make a triumphant comeback make him the perfect choice for the role.
As the biopic moves forward in its development, the filmmakers are engaging with a prominent writer to craft a compelling and heartfelt narrative that captures the essence of Richard Simmons’s life. With Shore on board and the story taking shape, the biopic promises to offer audiences a captivating and inspiring tale.