Pauly Shore said he’s hoping for Richard Simmons’ blessing to portray the ’80s fitness guru in a biopic.
The Encino man star took to social media Thursday to say he has contacted Simmons to discuss a possible film. “I noticed all the reactions to playing Richard Simmons in a new biopic,” he wrote. “I heard he lives deep in Big Bear. We played phone tag (yes, he still has a phone). I’m trying to make it possible for you. Be optimistic.”
Shore continued: “In the meantime, check out Hulu, Amazon, Disney, HBO and all the major producers. I can definitely turn into this man. I’ll see you at the 2025 Academy Awards.”
Although Simmons has been out of the spotlight for several years, he rose to fame in the early 1980s as the host of The Richard Simmons Show and sells millions of copies of his training videos, Sweating for the oldies.
Last year, after the release of TMZ‘s documentary What ever happened to Richard Simmons?his representative shared a statement with the New York Post, which stated, “Richard is eternally grateful for the continued outpouring of love and gratitude he has received from all over the world. He is happy, healthy and living the life he chose.”
Shore also said earlier this year that he is ready to return to acting. He told Page six in March: “I really miss acting and I miss being on set… hopefully it happens… it’s just about dreaming and hoping.”
His comments came a day after the 2023 Academy Awards, where two of his were presented Encino man co-stars, Brendan Fraser and Ke Huy Quan, won their first Oscars. But during the ceremony, Shore also became the butt of one of host Jimmy Kimmel’s jokes.
“Two actors out Encino man have been nominated for Oscars,” Kimmel told the audience. “What an incredible night it must be for you two, and what a very difficult night for Pauly Shore. Maybe it’s time to reboot Biodome.”
