Tim Curry said he feared the 1975 release of The Rocky Horror Picture Show would finish his film career after the movie initially performed poorly, a reversal he described as crushing in a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning.
"It died a death. It was a failure," Curry, 79, told the program, recounting his reaction when the film met a tepid reception after opening. He said he feared the project’s apparent flop might be the end of his movie career, but that he proved resilient and continued working.
Curry originated the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1973 London stage production before reprising it for the film, which follows a young couple whose car breaks down near a castle inhabited by eccentric characters including the flamboyant scientist and his creation, Rocky. The movie’s cast also includes Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon as the stranded Brad and Janet.
Although its initial release was muted, The Rocky Horror Picture Show developed a devoted audience through late-night and midnight screenings, particularly in New York City, where viewers dressed up, danced and shouted responses at the screen. Those participatory screenings helped transform the film into a decades-long cultural phenomenon; the movie has continued to play in theaters longer than any other film in history and marked its 50th anniversary in August.
Curry, who now lives with paralysis following a stroke, said he was surprised and gratified by the film’s longevity and cultural reach. "For your first movie to run for 50 years is crazy," he said. He also reflected on the film’s impact on audiences, saying it gave people permission to be themselves. "I think so," he said when asked whether the movie encouraged self-expression. He added that the message is to "be who you want to be — and have the b—s to do it."
Despite health setbacks that limited on-screen appearances, Curry continued voice work for animated series including Young Justice and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. In 2024 he returned to feature films with Stream, his first theatrical role in 14 years. He has remained a visible presence through interviews and retrospectives tied to the film’s anniversary.
Curry’s reflections on CBS Sunday Morning came as the industry and fans marked five decades since the film’s release, a milestone that drew attention to how an early commercial disappointment evolved into a continuing cultural touchstone. He credited the dedication of audiences who embraced the film’s irreverence and theatricality for sustaining its longevity.