Pauly Shore reacts to Richard Simmons’ death after biopic controversy

Pauly Shore honors Richard Simmons.

“Just learned like everyone else that the wonderful Richard Simmons has passed away,” Shore, 56, wrote on Instagram on Saturday, July 13. “I hope you are resting in peace and shining in heaven. Please give my mom Mitzi and dad Sammy a big hug and a kiss.”

Shore noted in his tribute that Simmons was “one of a kind.” He added, “An incredible life. An incredible story. They broke the dolphin shorts when they made you. Rest in peace, my friend. Rest in peace.”

Representatives confirmed Simmons’ death to ABC News on Saturday at the age of 76. According to the news agency, Los Angeles police responded to a call from Simmons’ housekeeper earlier that day. Simmons was pronounced dead at the scene after officers arrived at his residence.

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ABC News confirmed that authorities believe Simmons died of natural causes and no foul play is suspected. We weekly reached out to Simmons’ representative for comment at the time.

Shore will play Simmons in an upcoming biopic. Shore previously portrayed Simmons in the short film The Court Jesterwhich premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January.

After the project was announced, Simmons expressed his disapproval on social media. “I just read that a man I don’t know is writing my biopic starring Pauly Shore,” he wrote of X in April. “I do not agree with this film. I am in talks with major studios to create my own biopic with some help. Wait for that film.”

In response to Simmons’ post about X, Shore wrote that he was “up all night crying.”

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“Richard, how can you not approve of this movie? I mean, seriously, who better to play you in a movie than ME?” Shore wrote on Instagram in April.Leonardo DiCaprio“I’m not going to play you. Brad Pitt isn’t going to play you. I’m perfect. Everyone already thinks I’m you. We’re the same. Beautiful, inside and out.”

Shore claimed Simmons “didn’t even hear the pitch.” He added, “Why don’t you just let me come to your house, bring you some warm matzo ball soup and a pastrami sandwich with dark mustard from Canters, massage your feet and we can listen to the author, Jordan Allen-DuttonIntroduce you to our idea?”

Shore noted that Simmons will “love” the film. “We will create the most beautiful cinematic masterpiece that will honor you in a way that will make you fall to your knees and cry with joy and happiness,” he wrote.

Following the statement, Simmons shared an update. “Wow! I just got my fourth offer from studios wanting to work with me on my biopic,” he wrote on Facebook in April. “So many ideas are swirling around in my head. I’m writing the outline right now. Wish me luck!”