More than 50 years after its release, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” continues to gain new legions of fans with the dawn of each generation.
Not only did the film mark the breakthrough role for star Tim Curry — who passed away at age 80 this week — but it’s highly debatable that “Rocky Horror” would be the phenomenon it became had it not been for its charismatic star.
‘He Was Frank’
That’s certainly the opinion of Richard O’Brien, who wrote “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and portrays Riff Raff in the film (which originated as a London stage musical).
The Hollywood Reporter unearthed an interview that O’Brien gave in 2023 to its “It Happened in Hollywood” podcast, in which he spoke of just how much Curry brought to the production as Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
According to O’Brien — who already knew Curry but had no say in the movie’s casting — he wasn’t there when the actor auditioned for the “Rocky Horror” role. However, whatever Curry did in that audition convinced producers they could stop looking then and there.
“When I came back from wherever I was, he was Frank,” O’Brien recalled. “I can’t give you any more than that.”
As viewers can agree, from the moment that Curry appears onscreen, he absolutely owns “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
“I’ve really got to be most grateful to Tim Curry,” O’Brien added. “I often think, if it had been anybody other than Tim, I wonder whether it would have had the legs that it’s had.”
‘A Funny, Sexy Original’
Among the multitudes to pay tribute to Curry after his passing was his “Rocky Horror” co-star Susan Sarandon.
Taking to Instagram, she shared some vintage photos of her and Curry.
“What a funny, sexy, original he was,” she wrote in the caption.
“But what I loved about him most was his heart,” she added. “Even wheelchair-bound, he continued to be so sweet and generous with his fans. Thank you, Tim, for meaning so much to so many people. Love you, S”
He Remained ‘Very, Very Proud’ of ‘Rocky Horror’
In the half-century that passed since the 1975 release of “Rocky Horror,” Curry built an extraordinary acting career, while also embarking on a parallel career as a rock star (check out his iconic glam classic “I Do the Rock”).
Among his various films were “Clue,” “The Hunt for Red October,” “The Three Musketeers” and “Muppet Treasure Island,” yet Frank-N-Furter remains the role for which he is best remembered.
According to Curry himself, that was just fine by him.
Appearing at an October 2025 event honoring the film’s music at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles, while discussed what his legacy would be when looking back at his career, he confirmed that “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” would remain at the top of the list.
“I don’t think I’ll be remembered for my dancing nor yet really my singing because not enough people have heard it and you know even CDs have a sell-by date,”
“I think it’s this one because it’s unavoidable that it should be but I’m very, very proud of it,” he said of the role. “So if it is my legacy I’m very happy.”
