Highlights
- Richard Simmons once surprised Howard Stern by dressing as a biker on his show, creating a memorable moment for both.
- Stern’s comments on Simmons’ sexuality led to Simmons storming out of a later interview in tears, showing a sensitive side.
- A biopic of Simmons starring Pauly Shore was in development but Simmons himself denied giving permission for the movie, maintaining a quiet life.
Howard Stern is known as one of the best interviewers in the radio industry. Over the years, Stern has interviewed everyone from musicians and actors to political figures. Stern has developed a reputation as the go-to host to speak with for in-depth discussion.
However, Stern made a name for himself as a shock jock back in the day. Stern was always politically incorrect and pushing the limits. This caused Stern to develop many enemies, from Hollywood celebrities to fellow radio personalities.
Due to this reputation, Stern was particularly scared when he saw a tough-looking guy barge into his studio dressed in a biker outfit. Stern thought he would get attacked live on air. However, it actually turned out to be a prank from one of Stern’s best-loved guests.
Richard Simmons Fooled Everyone When He Arrived At Howard’s Show Dressed As A Biker
By the late 1980s, Richard Simmons had become a regular guest on The Howard Stern Show. Simmons would always come to Stern’s show and deliver his over-the-top, flamboyant personality while Stern poked fun at him for it.
In 1989, however, Simmons pulled a stunt not even Stern saw coming.
One day, Stern was doing his radio show as usual when a tough-looking man dressed in a biker outfit stormed into the studio. The man seemed to be angry at Stern’s in-studio comedian and writer, Jackie Martling, before directing his attention to Stern himself.
“I think you’re a great guy,” Stern said to the man. “What’s the matter? I’m sorry.”
Stern was clearly shaken up and not sure who the man was, how he got into the studio, or what was about to happen. Then, the man revealed his true identity.
“It’s Richard!” Simmons proclaimed.
Simmons would later discuss the memorable moment on Twitter, writing, “I was asked to do a radio show with a shock jock named Howard Stern… I did the show and he was a bit hard on me. But I felt I held my own. When I went outside people would tell me that they just heard me on Howard’s show and I should go back as often as I can.”
“Before Howard had cameras in his studio, I would go in disguise. One day I dressed as a biker,” Simmons wrote. “Brown straight hair a mustache jeans a black shirt and a leather vest. I also filled my arms with peel and stick tattoos. I pushed my way into the studio and scared them all. I told them I was angry at Howard.”
He concluded, “Let’s just say the shock jock got shocked.”
This Appearance Would Lead To Richard Storming Out Of A Later ‘Stern’ Interview Crying
During Simmons’ final year of public life, he made another appearance on The Howard Stern Show. The banter between Stern and Simmons made for classic radio. They shared so many moments together over the years and Simmons is often referred to as one of the best guests in the show’s history.
During this particular appearance, Stern made several references to Simmons’ sexuality. Simmons avoided every mention of it and spoke about his program to put Physical Education back into schools.
Stern put a caller on the air and Simmons was asked about his favorite moment on the Stern show. He answered the time when he dressed as a biker with fake tattoos. Stern said that he “dressed like a man.”
Robin Quivers responded, “Like a man? What is he?”
Stern then said, “He embraces both sexes. You’re sometimes very womanly, you appeal to both sexes.”
This was the last straw for Simmons, who stormed out of the studio crying. Stern ran after him and caught him in the elevator. Stern was very apologetic and tried to get him to come back to the studio. Simmons, however, wouldn’t budge.
Stern eventually said goodbye to Simmons and said that he felt bad about the incident.
In February 2024, news broke that a feature-length biopic about Simmons was in development at Warner Bros. subsidiary, The Wolper Organization. Comedian Pauly Shore was even said to be portraying Simmons in the movie. However, this wasn’t the biggest part of the story.
The shocking update came when Simmons himself broke his silence on social media regarding the project. Simmons rarely makes public statements, so this was a surprise to most people.
“Hi Everybody! You may have heard they may be doing a movie about me with Pauly Shore. I have never given my permission for this movie,” Simmons wrote on Facebook. “So don’t believe everything you read.”
“I no longer have a manager, and I no longer have a publicist. I just try to live a quiet life and be peaceful,” he continued. “Thank you for all your love and support.”
Shore played Simmons in The Court Jester, a short film which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January.
Stern commented on Shore’s idea and laid out a plan for Simmons to respond with.
“Richard Simmons should make a movie where he plays Pauly Shore and see if Pauly likes it,” Stern quipped. “What do you think of that?”
Source: NewsFinale
