Park City, Utah – A 10-minute short film titled “The Court Jester” premiered at the Cabin in Park City, Utah, featuring Pauly Shore’s performance as Richard Simmons. The event, although not an official Sundance Film Festival screening, aimed to attract festivalgoers. The short film is now available to watch online through the Lewis Brothers’ YouTube channel. It stars Jesse Heiman, known for his appearances in films like “Spider-Man” and “The Social Network,” as a segment producer partnering with Simmons amidst backstage drama at a talk show.
Shore expressed his excitement about sharing Richard Simmons’s life with the world, emphasizing how Simmons represented mental health, physical fitness, and authenticity. However, the untitled feature film about Richard Simmons, starring Pauly Shore and produced by The Wolper Organization, is still in the works, unrelated to “The Court Jester.” Simmons himself disavowed the project, stating on Facebook that he had not given permission for the movie and that he tries to live a quiet and peaceful life.
The short film offers viewers a glimpse into Shenanigans Productions’ interpretation of Simmons’s life, capturing the essence of the iconic figure’s energetic and captivating personality. Directed by Jake Lewis, the film showcases Shore’s talent in portraying Simmons’s character while navigating the backstage chaos of a talk show. The Lewis Brothers, gaining popularity with their YouTube channel, made “The Court Jester” available for wider audiences to watch and enjoy online.
Despite Simmons’s disapproval of the feature film biopic, “The Court Jester” provides a unique opportunity for viewers to see Pauly Shore’s portrayal of the influential fitness guru. The short film gives a taste of what the future biopic might offer, highlighting Simmons’s impact on mental and physical well-being and his ability to bring joy to audiences. As the online release of “The Court Jester” gains traction, it becomes evident that Simmons’s story remains a subject of interest and intrigue among fans and filmmakers alike.
As speculation and anticipation surround the untitled Richard Simmons feature film, Shore’s short film performance demonstrates his commitment to bringing Simmons’s story to life. Whether the feature film receives Simmons’s blessing or not, it is clear that Shore’s portrayal in “The Court Jester” has piqued the curiosity of those interested in the enduring legacy of Richard Simmons. As we await further developments, audiences will continue to enjoy the unique and captivating performances that capture the essence of Simmons’s vibrancy and spirit.