Tim Curry Reflects on 50 Years of Rocky Horror Cult Stardom

In a rare interview, Tim Curry, the 78-year-old actor who originated the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1973 stage production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, is opening up about the film's enduring legacy. Curry, who now lives with paralysis caused by a stroke, says his iconic character was a "tough guy" who "expected the world to revolve around him."

The 1975 film version of Rocky Horror, which Curry reprised his role in, was initially a box office failure. "It died a death. It was a failure. And I was crushed," Curry recalls. However, the movie soon found a devoted following, with midnight screenings cementing its status as a cult classic.

Curry believes the film gave people "permission to be who they really are." He says fans have approached him, sharing how liberating it was to see the movie and his character in particular. "I've had people who left [the film] thinking they would stay the stuff they had always wanted to say and did," he told CBS.

Despite its humble beginnings, Rocky Horror has gone on to become a cultural phenomenon, with the film still being shown year after year. Curry marvels at its continued success, noting that for a movie to run for 50 years is "crazy." The film, which cost less than $1 million to make, is estimated to have grossed around $166 million.