The 56-year-old, who never received a direct response from Richard, later noted that he planned to pursue a biopic with or without the fitness icon’s approval. 

“As you know, many biopics are made without the subject agreeing to be part of it: Elvis, Stephen Hawking, Marilyn Monroe, Steve Jobs and many, many more,” Pauly continued. “Some of them turned out to be good, some of them turned out bad. Mine is going to turn out amaze-balls.”

Pauly finished his message speaking directly to the late star, adding, “I love you, Richard, and so did my mom.”

Keep reading to see Richard’s life in photos.