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pauly shore
Last fall, after fans insisted that Shore play Simmons in a film, he shared his own eagerness to make it happen, posting on Instagram:
"I’ve noticed all the reactions to me playing #RichardSimmons in a new biopic."
"So I reached out to him. I heard he’s living deep in Big Bear. We’ve been playing phone tag (yes, he still has a phone)."
"I’m trying to make it happen for you guys. Be optimistic."
"In the meantime, hit up @hulu @amazonstudios @disneyplus @hbo and all the big producers. I definitely can morph into this guy. I’ll see you at the @theacademy 2025."
A year ago, he even created his own Sweatin' parody, captioning it:
"I think it's about time for a Richard Simmons biopic starring Pauly Shore, don't you dooodz?"
And while fans agreed Shore was the man for the job, Simmons was not on board, tweeting earlier this year after the trailer for Court Jester starring Shore as Simmons screened at Sundance:
"Hi Everybody! 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."
Last week, Simmons once again shared his disapproval of Shore's film.
He tweeted:
"I just read that a man that I don’t know is writing my bio pic starring Pauly Shore."
"I do not approve this movie."
In addition, Simmons continued that he now has his own biopic in the works.
"I am in talks with major studios to create my own bio pic with some help."
"Wait for this movie."
Needless to say, Shore was absolutely devastated over this public declaration.
He shared on Instagram that he was "up all night crying" after reading the tweet.
"You guys, I was up all night crying regarding Richard Simmons’ tweet."
"Richard, how do you not approve of this movie? I mean, really, who’s better to play you in a movie than ME?"
"Leonardo DiCaprio’s not gonna play you. Brad Pitt’s not gonna play you."
"I’m perfect. Everyone already thinks I’m you. We’re the same."
"Beautiful, inside and out. Hellll yea!"
He continued that he would love for Simmons' to at least hear the pitch before turning it down, adding that Simmons would "love" their film.
"I know you, Richard. We used to hang out back in the day."
"I’d always see you at The Comedy Store. You’re my old buddy."
"Richard, you’re going to love our movie."
"We’re going to make the most beautiful cinematic masterpiece that’s going to honor you in a way that you’ll drop to your knees and cry with joy and happiness."
As for Simmons' claim that he is working on his own biopic, Shore said the more, the better.
"And I also heard the good news that you’re in talks with studios to do a biopic about yourself. That’s amazing!"
"The more movies about you, the better!"
"You deserve it. There should be hundreds made."
Shore ended his post by noting that his movie will be "amaze-balls" with or without Simmons' approval.
"But as you know, many biopics are made without the subject agreeing to be part of it: Elvis, Stephen Hawking, Marilyn Monroe, Steve Jobs and many, many more."
"Some of them turned out good, some of them turned out bad. Mine is going to turn out amaze-balls."
"So... let me know when you want me to come over with yummy food from Canters, and Jordan and I will pitch you in your living room. I love you, Richard, and so did my mom."
"Love you always,
Your old friend Pauly Shore"
Shore posted a screenshot of Simmons' tweet followed by a side-by-side of Simmons and himself in the same pose.
Fans on social media continued to rally behind Shore.
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And some agreed that they would love to see both Shore's and Simmons' films.
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A few, however, felt that Shore should respect Simmons' wishes.
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@paulyshore/Instagram
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Shore was truly hoping this project would launch his comeback, especially after his Encino Man costars Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan both took home Oscars in 2023 after their own lengthy career struggles.
Shore told Entertainment Weekly earlier this year:
“Everyone wants to have that opportunity and that shot to go get back out there again with the right script and the right director and the right story."
“I mean, look at Mickey Rourke and ‘The Wrestler’ when he had that run — it happens all the time. "
"So hopefully my stars will line up.”