Pauly Shore will portray Richard Simmons in biopic of the reclusive fitness star.
However, prior to the feature film, Shore, 55, can already be seen acting as Simmons, 75, in a short-film called The Court Jester, which will be screening during the Sundance Film Festival – though it is not in the festival’s official lineup.
The Court Jester will be released on YouTube after a premiere The Cabin in Park City on Jan. 19.
Last year, Encino Man star Shore revealed his intentions to play the beloved ’80s fitness icon, known for his effervescent personality and colorful gym attire.
Pauly Shore to play Richard Simmons in biopic of the reclusive fitness star – after already starring as him in short film The Court Jester
‘I’ve noticed all the reactions to me playing Richard Simmons in a new biopic, so I reach out to him’ he wrote on Facebook in September.
Simmons – who has not been seen in public since 2017 – is said to not be interested in taking part of the biopic.
Shore added in his post: ‘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, Amazon, Disney, HBO and all the big producers. I definitely can morph into this guy. I’ll see you at the Academy Awards 2025.’
Checking in: Richard Simmons, who has largely hidden from the public eye, issued a rare statement last July to celebrate turning 75; seen in October 2013 in NYC
Last July, Simmons made an extremely rare public statement to celebrate his 75th birthday.
Although he didn’t share a personal message with the public and his fans, he did allow his representative to speak on his behalf.
‘This is a big milestone. I just want to see him happy, which he is,’ said his rep Tom Estey about the special occasion to ET.
It was a rare form of communication from the former fitness guru, who has largely hidden from the public eye since 2014.
He was previously spotted in 2017 when he checked out of a hospital after being treated for severe indigestion.