Richard Simmons says he's not involved in film starring Pauly Shore: 'Don't believe everything you read'
Donning his famous afro and glittery leotard, Pauly Shore is a spitting image of Richard Simmons.
The comedian is seen fully transformed into the fitness legend in a teaser for the short film "The Court Jester."
"What's my first rule? Like yourself," Shore, 55, says in the clip as Simmons. "Your weight doesn't matter. If you like yourself, you're gonna be fine."
He continues: "I've been where you are right now. And where I am right now, I just love myself. Every part of myself. And I think I can show you how to get here."
Fans have long pointed out the "Encino Man" actor favored the 75-year-old fitness instructor, known for his "Sweatin' to the Oldies" aerobics videos in the 1980s and talk show appearances.
But Shore told Entertainment Weekly in an interview published Wednesday that the similarities go further.
"I am him. I like helping people. I like health. I like putting that energy out there," he said. "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."
He continued: "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."
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Pauly Shore says Richard Simmons is supportive of 'The Court Jester'
Shore confirmed to the outlet that Simmons is supportive of the short film but not involved, saying the TV personality "wants to lay low."
"His people responded and they said that he loves me and he loves my mom and the (Comedy) Store and all that stuff," he said, referring to the LA comedy club his late mother owned. "But at this time he just wants to lay low and not really be involved."
Richard Simmons: 'I have never given my permission for this movie'
However, in a statement posted to his official Facebook page Wednesday, Simmons refuted Shore's claim that he gave his blessing for the film.
"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," Simmons 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."
USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Simmons, via the fitness coach's official website.
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The short film, written and directed by Jake Lewis, will debut during the Sundance Film Festival, which kicks off Thursday. Shore is hoping to give Simmons the biopic treatment and start filming as soon as this summer.
Watch 'The Court Jester' teaser starring Pauly Shore as Richard Simmons below:
Contributing: Edward Segarra, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Richard Simmons says he's not involved in biopic starring Pauly Shore
