Richard Simmons likes Pauly Shore a lot, but he’s not biting on the idea of Pauly — or anyone else for that matter — playing him in a biopic, despite a clamoring from folks on social media for a life story.
Sources close to Richard tell TMZ … he’s aware of the effort behind a biopic, mostly spear-headed by Pauly., but Richard just doesn’t want to be involved.
I’ve noticed the reactions to me playing #RichardSimmons in a biopic. I heard he’s living in Big Bear. We’ve been playing phone tag (yes, he has a phone). I’m trying to make it happen, you guys. In the meantime, hit up all the big producers. I’ll see you at @TheAcademy 2025! pic.twitter.com/pG3QaPr95s
— Pauly Shore (@PaulyShore) September 21, 2023
@PaulyShore
Our sources say it’s nothing against Pauly — Richard’s known the actor and his late mom Mitzi, for decades — he simply wants to live a private life out of the spotlight.
We’re told Richard & Co. get offers and pitches almost weekly and he turns all of them down. He’s just not interested in going public, much less getting behind some big production about his life.
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As for the Pauly pitch, our sources say someone from Pauly’s team did connect with Richard’s … but Richard’s rep politely turned a thumbs down.
It was last summer when TMZ released “TMZ Investigates: What Really Happened to Richard Simmons” on FOX and Hulu. The response was huge, with the internet sending a ton of love Richard’s way. He even posted a rare message thanking everyone for their support.
Richard took to Facebook to write, “Thank you, everyone, for your kindness and love! ❤️ Love, Richard.” We haven’t heard from the fitness guru since … but there’s still so much love for the guy who changed the lives of so many people.