Richard Simmons Decries New Biopic About Him: 'I Just Try To Live A Quiet Life'

Fitness instructor Richard Simmons has come out to publicly disassociate himself from a proposed biopic that aims to "honor him," stating that he wasn't in on it from the get-go.

The film, which is under development by Warner Bros. subsidiary - The Wolper Organization, will see comedian Pauly Shore play Simmons.

It follows an unrelated short film about Simmons titled "The Court Jester," which also had Shore play the role of the iconic fitness guru and will premiere at Sundance on January 19th.

The whole incident comes just hours after actor Pauly Shore announced on Facebook Wednesday that he would be playing Simmons in an upcoming movie.

Simmons, who has since adopted a reclusive lifestyle as he was last seen publicly in 2014, took to Facebook to disavow the project, stating, "I have never given my permission for this movie."

"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," the 75-year-old wrote.

"I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful. Thank you for all your love and support. Richard," he added.

Before announcing recently that he'll be portraying the iconic fitness guru, Shore shared his excitement about "sharing Richard Simmons's life with the world" before going on to eulogize him and everything he stood for, stating that he "represented mental health," and "getting people in shape."

The "Encino Man" star previously intimated that he's playing by the rules after revealing that he has tried to make contact with the former "Richard Simmons Show" host, whose whereabouts remain a mystery.

"I've noticed all the reactions to me playing Richard Simmons in a new biopic," the 55-year-old actor wrote on Facebook in September last year. "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."

Shore continued, "In the meantime, hit up Hulu, Amazon, Disney, HBO, and all the big producers. I definitely can morph into this guy. I'll see you at the Academy Awards 2025."

Although Simmons' blessing hasn't been given as he claims, The Wolper Organization - producers of the biopic, told Variety that their intention behind the movie is to "honor him," as well as to share with the world how much of a profound influence he's had on the lives of millions of people.

"While we would love to have [Simmons] involved, we respect his desire for privacy and plan to produce a movie that honors him, celebrates him, and tells a dramatic story," the production company shared in a statement with the news outlet.

They added, "We know he is deeply private and we would never want to invade that, however he is an amazing person that changed millions of peoples' lives, and the effect he has had on the world needs to be recognized."

To emphasize the company's zeal to go on with developing the movie, Mark Wolper of The Wolper Organization noted that the company is in "serious discussions with a major writer" to develop the film as a "dramatic and heartfelt feature in the tone of 'Little Miss Sunshine.'"

The "Sweatin' to the Oldies" workout video instructor's whereabouts remain a question that is begging for answers, especially from his fans and acquaintances.

Speculations were rife about his well-being at the time, with some suggesting he was being held hostage by a maid, while others claimed he was impaired or depressed.

According to TMZ, LAPD sources alleged in 2016 that they'd check on him several times following incessant calls, but Simmons was doing well at the time and just wanted to maintain his privacy.

Following a documentary by the news outlet in 2022 which was tagged, "What Ever Happened To Richard Simmons?" a rep for Simmons shared in a statement with the New York Post that he is "eternally grateful for the continuous outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from across the globe. He is happy, healthy, and living the life he has chosen to live."