Pauly Shore to star as Richard Simmons in biopic
A feature film is currently in development with the Wolper Organization — and a short film, “The Court Jester,”
A feature film is currently in development with the Wolper Organization — and a short film, “The Court Jester,” will debut during the Sundance Film Festival.
“Yo,” Pauly Shore says, answering the phone to chat with EW about his latest project. “I’m at the gym in Austin on the treadmill.”
His current location is appropriate given he’s starring as a legendary fitness guru in a potential biopic, which EW can exclusively reveal is currently in development. “I’m getting my workout in for my Richard Simmons,” he explains, “to try to stay positive and get the world to come together.”
The comedian and actor listened to fan suggestions on his YouTube videos and social media, where they commented on his likeness to the eccentric and spirited Simmons, who became famous with his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” aerobics videos and talk show appearances.
But Shore thinks the similarities run deeper. “I am him,” he says. “I like helping people. I like health. I like putting that energy out there. Through my mom and [The Comedy Store], she helped a lot of people and it kind of got passed down to me — I help comedians and people, and so I really relate to Richard. And I’ve been going to the gym since I was a kid. And I think I’m a little over the top as well, so I feel like I connect with him. And I’ve known him for years from back in the day. I started in the ’90s… I used to always see him and I was always giving him hugs and high fives and stuff.”
And now, he’s made it his mission to give Simmons’ story the biopic treatment, developing a film that will hopefully shoot this summer with producer Mark Wolper’s Oscar- and Emmy-winning production company, the Wolper Organization (a subsidiary of Warner Bros. Entertainment). Shore has also teamed up with Jake Lewis, whose short film about Robin Williams went viral several years ago, on the short film The Court Jester, which will premiere this week in Park City, Utah during the Sundance Film Festival.
EW has an exclusive look below at Shore as Simmons, as well as a teaser for that short film. And Shore explains his connection to the now reclusive personality, his reaction to the comparisons, whether Simmons will be involved, and more.
By
Gerrad Hall is an executive editor at Entertainment Weekly, overseeing TV, music, and awards coverage. He is also host of the daily What to Watch podcast and weekly video series, as well as The Awardist podcast. Gerrad also cohosts EW’s live Oscars, Emmys, SAG, and Grammys red carpet shows, and he has appeared on Good Morning America, The Talk, Access Hollywood, Extra!, and other talk shows, delivering the latest news on pop culture and entertainment.
By Gerrad Hall
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