Richard Simmons Biopic Casts The Perfect Actor, See The Incredible Transformation
Once one of the biggest names in fitness, Richard Simmons became the focal point of American media after the flamboyant television personality mysteriously disappeared from the public eye almost a full decade ago.
With a case like this one and a lifetime of trying to help his loyal followers live up to their best potential, today’s news is long overdue. Comedian Pauly Shore has officially signed on to portray Richard Simmons in a biopic that is now under development.
When you see the fitness guru and Encino Man star’s headshots next to one another, you’ll understand why Pauly Shore was the perfect pick to play Richard Simmons.
Pauly Shore has been cast as Richard Simmons in the biopic
Their facial structure is incredibly similar, with both men flashing warming smiles. While Shore’s hair may be a bit tamer than Simmons’s frizzy do, a little teasing had him coiffed and ready to get his sweat on in no time.
Although the announcement of Pauly Shore’s latest role may be news to us, it’s been a long time coming for Shore who paired up with filmmaker Jake Lewis on a short film about Richard Simmons’ life and legacy.
The Court Jester starring Pauly Shore as Richard Simmons will premiere at the Sundance Film Festival
Set to premiere at the upcoming Sundance Film Festival, Shore hopes that the brief, but creative feature is the first step to receiving the full-length makeover.
In a teaser for the film, titled The Court Jester, we hear a voice-over of Pauly Shore appearing as his latest character. True to Richard Simmons, the clip reveals Shore in all of his “Sweatin’ to the Oldies” glory, inspiring one of the crew members with his sage words of advice.
He boops the man on the nose (also very true to Simmons’ ways) before we hear the crowd – and Shore’s character – cheer as he makes his way out onto the stage.
Just a little taste of the film that could, and hopefully will, be, Pauly Shore’s fans were right to push him to try his hand as the fitness mogul. The actor captures the essence of Richard Simmons perfectly, a personality that helped people take the first steps towards loving themselves.
His earnestness and dedication to his fans shine through in Shore’s performance – and somehow Shore can even pull off Simmons’ skimpy spandex workout clothes.
Richard Simmons came to fame through his aerobic series Sweatin’ to the Oldies
As for the main influence behind The Court Jester, Richard Simmons is best known for his iconic series of aerobics films, Sweatin’ to the Oldies. Capitalizing on a market of self-help, at-home workouts, Simmons was one of many entrepreneurs who seized the day and brought fitness and health into the living rooms of homes around the world.
What set Simmons apart from the other celebs of the time was his message of self-love, spreading not just a healthier lifestyle to his viewers but also kindness and planting a seed of belief in them.
Over the years that would follow, Richard Simmons’ star only continued to grow as he began to hold in-person clinics where people could really get up close and personal with the man behind the movement.
Richard Simmons abruptly disappeared from the public eye in 2014
That’s why, when he abruptly disappeared from the public eye in 2014, his loyal fandom became increasingly concerned. While some thought it was a close friend and caretaker who had pushed him into a life of solitude, other reports surrounding a knee injury also came to the surface.
The sad reality is that we may never find out the reason for Richard Simmons’ sudden exit from the life that he built, but with Pauly Shore’s short film, we can celebrate the legacy that he built.
The Court Jester will celebrate its premiere in a few weeks at the Sundance Film Festival alongside other highly-anticipated titles including the Kristen Stewart-led drama, Love Lies Bleeding.
