Pauly Shore Speaks Out Over Richard Simmons Biopic

Pauly Shore is speaking out after Richard Simmons blasted a proposed feature film about his remarkable life. The comedian had his heart set on portraying Simmons for years. During the pandemic, he channeled Simmons on his web series, "Sweatin with the Wiez." However, Simmons wrote on Facebook, “I have never given my permission for this movie.” Inside Edition’s Alison Hall spoke to Shore in Park City, Utah, where he's debuting a short film about Simmons at the Sundance Film Festival.

[@helenawarsinnak]

I saw this film and honestly, I LOVED it and wanted more!! There was nothing bad about this film... it portrayed Richard Simmons as he is.... an AMAZING & BEAUTIFUL soul!!! And may I say that Pauly Shore was spot-on!! This in no way was making a mockery of Richard Simmons.... It was a short film that just showed the love and kindness that Richard Simmons has for EVERYONE he meets!!💜

[@davidbrown4271]

Yes but they didn’t give him a cent

[@rcrotorfreak]

I saw it too it is beautiful short film. To bad it was to short. I was thinking one hour or less but not 10 min or so.

[@Rocker-tz2qk]

Lmfao good one!

[@rextrek]

same here loved the small clip I saw - very heartfelt

[@worstusername22]

Richard will probably like it after all this. Pauly is a cool dude so, it's all good

[@proudmommaof2]

Give the man his quiet life and leave him alone, not everyone wants y'all making movies about their personal life, clearly he is one of them! Respect his voice!

[@reneefurrer2712]

Richard Simons didn't give his permission and I agree with you on this.

[@Lori-lp6uc]

Exactly right. RS would never do anything against someone's wishes. Why can't PS respect his wishes. He says he "loves" RS. That's not what love is.

[@vicvega3614]

​@@Lori-lp6uci heard earlier that Richard did respond and said good luck on the movie, or something like that, can anyone confirm this?

[@proudmommaof2]

@@missthang4982 He can be celebrated without invading his privacy and disrupting his private life. His wishes should be respected, with or without his team & management.

[@Lori-lp6uc]

@vicvega3614 I don't know much about it. This is the first I've heard that Richard was not keen on it. I just hope they do it with dignity.

[@wickidblazed420]

Leave my Richard Simmons alone!!!! He gave us everything he had!!!! Let him live the rest of his years in peace

[@arriuscalpurniuspiso]

The movie will be great

[@thomastherriault8632]

Yep, Richard is retired, I don't know what the big deal is, leave the guy alone, Biopic or not. 🤷

[@OriginalMindTrick]

Leave Britney alone!

[@thomastherriault8632]

@@OriginalMindTrick😂😂👍

[@rextrek]

I have to admit from the small clip i watched- i wasn't expecting much - well was I wrong......Pauly Shore did him Justice / it was so Touching

[@excripto1]

Crazy how they really look alike.

[@chancemathews7057]

Prolly his kid

[@franceslovato9842]

​@@chancemathews7057🤣

[@billchief397]

The intent is genuinely great but Richard doesn't want this just yet. I understand and hope they respect Simmons wishes.

[@techminds1579]

Yeah, Pauky Clown Shore is just desperate to be famous and relevant again. He's just using Richard's name for that.

[@MarkWilliams-h9m]

Good for Simmons, respect his privacy and leave him alone, he gave it his all and apparently there's just isn't anything left to give? He was a great person who helped millions of those overweight people and cared about them 100% ❤️😁🍺

[@nigelcrabclaw574]

Pauly would have a meltdown if someone made a biopic about his life without his permission.

[@MsBalanced1]

💯

[@patremagilbert682]

Right

[@creamysauce5351]

Facts!

[@bcatblues725]

He sure would.

[@Blas4ublasphemy]

What if Richard Simmons did it because "he looks just like him"?

[@kingskid4804]

You're entitled to a quiet life Richard..enjoy ❤

[@tarotfortheheathens9556]

Do the producers plan on sending ANY money Richard’s way???

[@SidneyHurcombe]

No, they don't have to.

[@sirgalahad1376]

They can send the $5.31 Pauly Shore has in his bank account.

[@mickeyandres2651]

I wasn’t a Simmons fan so to speak with the weight loss stuff but I always knew he was a wonderful person who helped a lot of people. I wish him the best in his retirement.

[@StevieD1x]

I hope you support his lgbbgttqa stance

[@bluey_mum]

I grew up watching Pauly Shore and judging by this film he seems very passionate to do this film

[@bees.857]

And Richard seems very passionate about him NOT doing it

[@bcatblues725]

Then they should’ve got permission from Richard Simmons.

[@ChattieCathie]

They already made the film. Not all biopics have the input of who its about. They don't need his permission. Apparently from one other commenter, the movie is great! I'd love to see it.

[@bcatblues725]

@@ChattieCathie Because they don’t need permission doesn’t make it right. They did the same thing to Pamela Anderson. It’s not right.

[@ChattieCathie]

@@bcatblues725 I didn't say it was ok. All I said was they don't need his permission. 🤷‍♀️

[@jomoland]

lol Pauly Shore: “Richard! I already look like you!” The man doesn’t lie though. It’s like with age Pauly has morphed into Simmons. 😂

[@CassMaxwell13]

When I was like 8 I got to meet Richard Simmons. I think the year was 98 or 97. The 90s were wild.

[@cindyrodriguez380]

You wanna respect his privacy yet you're literally invading his privacy. 😒

[@kindredmalise6633]

Disrespectful making a story about someone without their permission. Let alone saying they know them and they homies. A reminder, that Pauly Shore stages his own hecklers. Leave the guy alone man.

[@jhart10]

If the people who did this film truly respected Richard Simmons, they would have asked his permission to do it and then backed off when Simmons said "no". They obviously have zero respect for him. Simmons, for whatever reason, doesn't want anymore spotlight and just wants privacy.

[@mka6671]

I saw The Court Jester last night and thought it portrayed Richard Simmons to be the light that we all know. His uplifting words were beautiful and I think they treated him with dignity. I think the biopic will do the same

[@realretrorelapse]

He doesn't do a good.Richard Simmons, though. Energy was super low, and the voice was terrible. If he wasn't wearing the outfit, you wouldn't even know it was supposed to be Richard Simmons

[@rextrek]

@@realretrorelapse well i knew right awAy

[@anthonyo.thector32]

I'd be HONOURED if someone wants to make a movie about me.

[@deepblue523fl]

Not everything we do we want in a movie shown to millions though....

[@hanschristianbrando5588]

Richard Simmons says "I want to be left alone," and Pauly Shore says "I don't care. I want an Oscar." That's all there is to it.

[@sicknado]

That's not all there is to it

[@clo9626]

Silly. U sign up to b on da spotlight whether u wanna continue. U sold ur soul 4 money n fame. Quiet life with ur millions. Kudos

[@clo9626]

@@missthang4982 life in Hollywood is so Gute!”

[@HMS-sk2gp]

Oscar??? You've got to be kidding. Oscar Meyer maybe!😊

[@quandrixtwincaster5738]

I love Richard, as his tapes helped me through a lot of hard times in my life, but I can't exactly be mad at Pauly Shore. I don't think he'll do a bad job. Kids these days already have no idea who Richard Simmons is and that's sad. He could help a whole generation again and again, but so many have forgotten about him. I don't want to see the world forget him. I really don't think Pauly has bad intentions here.

[@SanFernandoValleyRose]

Leave him alone and let him live his life in peace and quiet. He is 75 years old again let him alone.

[@sandralyn5869]

Look, I know Pauly Shore isn't trying to be disrespectful...I think his passion to show his love to the LEGENDARY Richard Simmons and I respect that. BUT I can't support or stand behind a project that Simmons himself never asked for & clearly doesn't want. I think respecting his wishes would be the GREATEST way for Shore to show his love would be to NOT do what he's doing.

[@Littlebigbot]

It's all about money and nothing about what is best for Richard. Leave the guy alone. He just wants peace.

[@Childhooddreamer]

I once saw a Pauly Shore movie called Son-in-law and I just so happen to have a Richard Simmons DVD about eating healthier.

[@ZENIGMATV]

I would hope someone would talk to Simmons and explain that this is not to mock him but to celebrate his life and his beautiful positive message he’s brought to so many people.

[@DanielDwightMusic]

Make it. The short film is an amazingly respectful and loved character of the man we know, not the one he doesnt want us to know.

[@KinOfCrow]

I love it. My grandmother used to “Sweat to the Oldies” with him. Such an inspiration and I LOVE Pauly Shore. Son N Law was one of my favorites growing up!!! Lolllll

[@metoo6599]

Yall better not slander or bully or harm him in this unauthorized film about Richard Simmons. He is a genuinely good person.

[@bcatblues725]

This really sucks. I love Richard Simmons, and he doesn’t deserve this disrespect. Why? Richard tried to do was help people. And he helped a lot of people.

[@piscesempress1978]

The short is NOT disrespecting him.

[@bcatblues725]

@@piscesempress1978 nothing seems more important than the almighty dollar.

[@StarLight-sl9ok]

Have you seen the film? I would definitely see it before commenting.

[@bcatblues725]

@@StarLight-sl9ok i’m not talking about the content of the movie. Just the fact that he’s a very private man and he didn’t give permission for this endeavor.

[@helenawarsinnak]

That film in NO WAY disrespected Richard Simmons at ALL!!! The short film had only shown what a beautiful and amazing man that Richard Simmons truly is!!! Pauly shore did a fantastic job playing him!!!

[@SO_DIGITAL]

I saw "The Court Jester" it is beautiful and very touching.

[@toeholt]

I agree! Richard should watch it and see how it honors him not make fun of him.Very tastefully done. Richard Simmons is a treasure to so many people, too bad Richard doesnt realize it.

[@helenawarsinnak]

I loved this film and I wish it was longer!! Pauly did a fantastic job portraying Richard!! 💜

[@mikeoxsbigg1]

The dialog was great.

[@Bee-Kind-Baker]

Personally, I think it’s wrong to not honor Richard’s request. I’ve been very concerned about him for a long time. I know that there’s no way for this to happen, but I’ve prayed for many years that I might have an opportunity to talk with Richard. I would never have made it through the death of my 7 month old daughter, if it hadn’t been for him. It was about 40 years ago, approximately. He had a show on everyday at noon. The genuine love and kindness that he showed to so many people, was uplifting . I felt like , in some way, he cared about me too. He was my reason for getting out of bed. I’d watch his show and just cry. All of these years later, I’m now 61, I pray for him. I wish that I could tell him , just how much he did for me. I’m sure he has his reasons for being reclusive. But, Richard loves life and loves people. I’m concerned that he’s sick. Thank you, Richard for everything ❤

[@stanford-nf4jk]

Technically Shore doesn’t need his permission or approval. However, this is clearly a ploy by Pauly to restart his career so to speak. An Entertainment Tonight reporter interviewed him at an airport and Pauly Shore said so himself (that he was doing it for his career.) I wish Simmons the best! He spent years in the limelight and now he just wants to live a quiet, peaceful retirement.

[@lyetaherb4703]

Pauly Shore always compared his looks to Richard's since back in the days. I couldn't believe that they were not related. I had to research it way back then.

[@AFloridaSon]

They both need to take a DNA test. Simmons may have done some exploring in his youth.

[@piscesempress1978]

I saw the short. Pauly is brilliant in it. He captured the essence and the true magic of Richard Simmons. I actually began crying, I think Richard would like it as well.. you don't need someone's permission to do a biopic but I think down the Road Richard will finally come to his senses that this is a labor of love, not a mockery.

[@StarLight-sl9ok]

I agree, brought me to tears. It was beautifully done, a real tribute to a wonderful man. Well done Pauly 👏👏👏👏

[@ninaangelique4811]

When I was younger I used to workout with his videos 😊

[@patremagilbert682]

Same

[@SAILINGDIRTYBIRD]

Pauly Shore and Richard Simmons look the same....brothers ..😂😂😂😂

[@kathrynstankiewicz5926]

I saw this short film and Pauly did a great job acting as Mr. Simmons. There was no mockery of joking. This film showed how much Mr. Simmons care for people. He has a wonderful SOUL

[@MagdaleneDivine]

Until this moment and this thumbnail i never ever noticed that they look alike

[@mora103]

I'm happy to see Pauly doing something again finally 😊 he was funny back in the day 😅

[@alfersnoz7832]

He still is, he does Stand Up Comedy, 🍻

[@mora103]

@@alfersnoz7832 yeah I prefer the movies, not saying he isn't funny on stage. I'm just not really a stand up comedy guy 🫤

[@RyanGriffith71]

I just finished watching it it's a really good movie it's very touching

[@Howard007]

They should respect the legend’s opinion. Love you Richard. The short film didn’t do you justice, Pauly was on 5 when you’re always on 10!!!!

[@bees.857]

If he said no, DON'T DO IT. This is gross.

[@chelseaxjaye]

i agree 100%

[@bees.857]

@@chelseaxjaye I didn't watch that Pam & Tommy show bc she asked them not to do it. I don't understand why people think this is okay.

[@bruceangel4459]

This project could go from sincere biopic to something else entirely in the blink of an eye. Respect that the man doesn’t want a biopic of his life while he’s living.

[@ljke]

I think it's disrespectful to continue with it after Richard said he did not give permission for it to be made. Maybe he said that so people would know that it may not all be accurate. I do think if Richard were to ever agree to it that Pauly is the perfect person to do it.

[@ChattieCathie]

Other bio picks don't always have the blessing from who it is about. The only thing about having the blessing from the person the movie is about is that they have input from them. This movie wont have the input from Richard but is still allowed

[@haveyoutried369]

We love richard and pauly, two of the kindest men alive. Biopic Pauly as Richard in Court Jester is not patronizing but a labor of love and I hope pauly can live up to RS's approval.

[@iZiggy_]

I get respect is earned but can we still respect our elders? He doesn’t want it so leave him alone. A lot of people love prince and respected his wishes even when he passed. Why can’t we do the same for him?

[@starzintheskyz4477]

I think he did an amazing job at portraying Richard Simmons and it should be made into a docu-movie.

[@zzizahacallar]

❤ Richard Simmons

[@TheLucarioMaster-uw4fb]

At least respect the guy's privacy

[@bcatblues725]

People have never respected Richard Simmons privacy. And even then he would come out and greet people and say hello to them.

[@TheLucarioMaster-uw4fb]

@@bcatblues725 Although then again when has people ever cared about celeb's privacy

[@suzandouglass5241]

Love Richard Simmons. Love Pauly Shore. When I heard about this, I was thrilled. I understand why Simmons wants to just live his life, but he DID impact a lot of people. A biopic was inevitable.

[@d4rmthai.e536]

Mann “your not gonna get any better “ now that’s something bro can’t deny😂😂😂

[@BigNoe-u7u]

If Richard Simmons says no they should respect his wishes. To say you're going to do the film whether he approves or not is disgusting and disrespectful.

[@StephanieWest-w3e]

They thought Pauly would make fun of Richard but he did a good job of letting people understand the emotional side of Richard it was a good movie

[@chrisgraham9778]

Leave the man his privacy+ respect him.

[@beovp91]

Richard Simmons , hopefully he will come around. He is an icon for our generation.

[@titusmaximus7278]

It was pretty crappy to hear him say. No, we don't have his permission and haven't spoken to him about it at all. Nice

[@TheTinydogproduction]

Stop saying you respect his privacy but you're going ahead anyway. That isn't respect.

[@proudmommaof2]

Exactly

[@FDR-ww6xz]

I mean I watched the movie and I thought it was pretty good.

[@MsBalanced1]

He shouldn’t do it out of respect.

[@Jamesssssssssssssss]

If its anything like the short film i would love to see it. Theres a lot of genuine love and admiration in it

[@PurpleOuchie]

Richard has become a shutin , reclusive person. He needs to hear how much he's loved & appreciated now more than ever. Why wait until he's gone to make a movie about him. I'm with Pauly , do it now so the man can hear that he's loved.

[@mtwhyte8505]

Richard Simmons has already said he has not given his Blessing for any movie to be made Pauly Shore needs to shut the hell up,stop trying ruin Simmons image

[@ajstudios9210]

"Look! It's the Leaning Tower of Cheese-a!" "Hey! Mazer-er!" "Father, when can I leave to be on my oooooown? I've got the whole world to see!" Somebody has to know what movies these famous Pauly Shore lines come from!

[@ChattieCathie]

The Goofy Movie and Pinnochio

[@CM-ho5ic]

This is definitely an invasion of Mr Simmons life, Pauly Shore should've waited til he got permission from Mr Simmons.

[@elll3s]

Richard explicitly said he didn't want this done... Shame on you, Paulie, for disregarding Richard's wishes.

[@LittleMissStamper]

Let's be honest....there is NO ONE who would make a better Simmons though. He definitely has the right look.

[@philoctetes_wordsworth]

I love Richard Simmons. He is a sweet, kind, loving person. 🔥🔥🔥❤️‍🔥🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🥰🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻🫶🏻💋💋🇺🇸🌸

[@tt8807]

Omg the drama! The movie was 10 minutes long and is just showing how amazingly nice of a soul RS is.

[@BassMatt1972]

The short film was AMAZING.. this could be Pauly's breakthrough role..

[@alfersnoz7832]

Come on Richard Simmons give Pauly your blessings; he is worthy to play you in a great movie simply a tribute to your work, he loves you, we love, America loves you. Go Pauly Shore !

[@sister7465]

Richard Simmons deserves privacy and respect. Pauly Shore needs to back off. Mr. Simons said no. So dont make the damn movie. He says he loves Mr. Simmons but he obviously doesnt and his actions and words show how disrespectful and selfish Shore is. Shore hasnt been relevent in nearly 30 years. He has no talent or heart if hes going to try to relaunch his career off the back of a national treasure just because he resembles Mr. Simmons. Shame on him and everyone else trying to make money off of other peoples life stories and experiences without permission.

[@mikeoxsbigg1]

It was a really good short. Hope Richard gives it a watch.

[@GalatraicMinds]

Some of you forget that his entertainment life is public domain. Pauly shore isn't mean nasty or rude. He's giving Richard his flowers the best way he can because the short film had me in tears. In that he wasn't talking to the guy.....he was talking to us all. So I get and understand Richard but Richard needs to talk to Pauly and be involved somewhat because I feel that Pauly is giving him his flowers because let's ve honest Noone qas checking on Richard this whole time but Pauly showed up and did Richard right so allow Pauly to honor one of his/our heros.

[@cmjGemara]

I seen the short and I think it looks great

[@rmorales3553]

Would love to see Pauly Shore do this!!

[@latina_fangirl]

Lifetime get on that movie asap!!! Another entry in their unauthorized true story collection 😂

[@AliciaGuitar]

Court Jesters were actually extremely respected advisors, the closest to the monarch. They were like therapists and entertainers and spiritual guides wrapped up in one. I feel Richard maybe did not understand the compliment in that term 😢

[@st.charlesofaberdeen154]

If he was respecting Richard he wouldn't make this film. leave that man alone!!!❤🎉

[@bartman898]

Please Mr. Simmons, let Paulie make the movie. It will help more people feel better about themselves. If it saves one person, it is worth any embarrassment on your part.

[@landau100170]

Leave him alone and respect his privacy ....right but make a positive movie about him and what Richard has done to help people is awesome

[@TheFakeyCakeMaker]

I am not from the US but I love Richard Simmons, such a nice guy. I just hope he's okay and I also hope he knows how much he is loved. I saw the short film and I didn't get it but it was sweet. I didn't like the title though, feels a little disrespectful.

[@richardhernandez488]

Pauly Shore should find another way to make his money. If Richard Simmons wanted a biopic of his life, he would have granted it before his passing. The mere fact that Richard lived a private life out of the public eye should be respected. He was not a recluse, however he did post from time to time that he was doing fine and his love for others. Pauly Shore should instead share stories about his famous mother and father. I, personally, would enjoy that much better.

[@Texasishot105]

I love both of these guys!!!❤❤❤

[@sharonbowers9929]

Leave Richard Simmons alone. Pauly stop.

[@Gothiczartan]

I wouldn't even mind to see an action portray Pauly Shore in a bio movie about the Weasel.

[@dibrenn3432]

U know Pauly has some heat on him for this role and he ain’t givin that up for anything lol. But I loved the short.

[@ayaNjah]

I understand Richard's reluctance completely, but I love Pauly and there really isn't a better option. Public figures have movies and books made on them all the time, better it be someone who actually loves said public figure and cares about how they're going to portray them.

[@darrenhartman2846]

I hope you get that Oscar! After that short,you deserve it!

[@muffinman4353]

Richard is truly an American Treasure.

[@joshuavang5449]

This is just wrong. They should've had asked for his permission to have a movie made about him in the first place. Richard should be rightfully angry and so. I mean, he just wants to live a quiet lifestyle but now has to deal with this. Just imagine someone making a movie about you without your permisson and worse, not even knowing the whole facts about your life.

[@Anachronistkllr]

I hope polly and Richard stay friends.

[@mtwhyte8505]

DROP IT, I hope he sues the ass off Pauly Shore

[@sherimann6144]

Love ❤️ you Pauly! You're a superb actor! Oscar worthy 👏 😊🎉

[@mjwatson8686]

Love Pauly Shore ❤❤❤

[@alishacatlett1928]

Regardless Richard should have been asked or authorized to use his name and or make money off of it. I guarantee if this was handled appropriately Richard would've been honored and on board. 🎉 Richard Simmons much LOVE TO YOU. You made this chunky young girl get up and dance now... come on baby do the Locomotion 🎉 but also love her self a little more! ❤

[@jsully8076]

Oh man come on. They didn't get his permission? I saw the movie and thought it was absolutely lovely and beautiful, but that doesn't mean a damn thing now.

[@oliviabrown261]

Way to respect his wishes:(

[@My2CentsYall]

So what Pauly he did not give you permission to make a film of his life. That is so disrespectful on so many levels. NO outlet should market it.

[@barbfurgeson4531]

I hope Richard sues the pants off Pauley. Richard is a human and deserves respect.