Tim Curry Marks 50 Years of ‘Rocky Horror,’ Discusses Lasting LGBTQ+ Impact and Post-Stroke Life
Tim Curry recently reflected on five decades of cult fandom surrounding ”The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” sharing anecdotes about the film’s creation, its enduring appeal, and his own health journey following a 2012 stroke. The actor’s remarks came during an evening event celebrating the film’s 50th anniversary, offering a rare glimpse into his perspective on a career-defining role and its continuing resonance.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” released in 1975, initially struggled to find an audience but blossomed into a phenomenon through midnight screenings and audience participation. Its message of self-acceptance and liberation resonated deeply, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, a connection Curry acknowledged as profoundly meaningful. He stated the film’s central tenet – “don’t dream it, be it” – is “very vital,” adding, “One of the things that the movie does, I think, is give anyone permission to behave as badly as they really want, in whatever way and with whom. And I’m proud of that.”
Curry recalled a desire to subtly alter the highly stylized makeup for his iconic role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, feeling it was “too polished,” but refrained, acknowledging the director’s strong vision. He also noted the film unexpectedly broadened his career opportunities, recalling a conversation with director Stephen Frears about playing a Victorian bank clerk in “Three Men in a Boat.” frears reportedly told him, “If you can play Frank-N-Furter, you can play anything.”
The actor also addressed his health, detailing the circumstances of the stroke he suffered in 2012 while receiving a massage.Initially dismissing his symptoms, he was urged by the massage therapist to call for an ambulance. Curry remains in a wheelchair and experiences ongoing limitations with his left leg,stating,”I still can’t walk…and that’s very limiting.So I won’t be singing and I won’t be dancing very soon. I still have real problems with my left leg.” Despite these challenges, he concluded the evening with his characteristic humor.
