LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Richard Simmons, the fitness icon who has maintained a private life reportedly declined Pauly Shore's idea of making a biopic based on his life.
The 'Encino Man' star also revealed his wish to play the lead role in the biopic on Simmons which left the health enthusiast's fans excited until sources close to him shared he was not interested in the project, reported Radar Online.
Why is Richard Simmons declining Pauly Shore's biopic pitch?
According to an insider, the reclusive fitness trainer appreciates the effort behind Shore's idea of a potential movie based on his life but he turned down the offer emphasizing his need for privacy despite his longtime friendship with the actor.
The 75-year-old who was once known for his energetic and flamboyant attitude regularly received numerous offers and pitches for several projects but has consistently opted to keep his life away from the spotlight.
Pauly Shore has been 'playing phone tag' with Richard Simmons
Talking about reaching out to Simmons, Shore took to Instagram to reveal his plans for the biopic.
"I've noticed all the reactions to me playing Richard Simmons in a new biopic. I heard he's living deep in Big Bear, California," the Bio-Dome captioned a collage of himself and Simmons.
"We've been playing phone tag (yes, he still has a phone). I'm trying to make it happen for you guys. Be optimistic," he added.
Fans say it's 'too bad' that Richard Simmons is turning down Pauly Shore's offer
Social media users rallied to support Shore's desire to play the lead in the biopic on Simmons but soon became disappointed after the fitness legend decided to turn down the offer.
"Richard Simmons must know the films will eventually be made, with or without his input. Seems to me that 'with' is a better legacy," wrote a Twitter user while another wrote, "That's too bad."
Supporting Simmons' decision, a fan tweeted, "That's completely understandable, everyone has their own preferences when it comes to projects," while another user agreed Shore "would be the perfect person too!" for the role.
Where is Richard Simmons now?
Simmons, the beloved 80s workout icon has not appeared in public since 2014 which has led to numerous speculations from his fans. In 2016, it was alleged that his housekeeper held him hostage.
However, he denied the allegations during a phone interview on 'Today'.
"No one is holding me in my house as a hostage. You know, I do what I want to do, as I’ve always done, so people should sort of just believe what I have to say because, like, I’m Richard Simmons!", he explained.
"Teresa Reveles has been with me for 30 years; it’s almost like we’re a married couple," he further clarified about his housekeeper.
Simmons' brother Lenny also dispelled the rumors saying, "After 40-some-odd years, he just decided that he wants to rest," according to New York Post.
