Tim Curry made a rare public appearance to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The 1975 cult classic musical has become a staple of midnight screenings and queer cinema. Alongside Curry’s breakout role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the film starred Susan Sarandon as Janet Weiss, Barry Bostwick as Brady Majors, and Meat Loaf.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show began as a quirky adaptation of Richard O’Brien’s stage musical before it became one of cinema’s most enduring cult phenomena. The film’s eccentric blend of camp, horror, comedy, and musical spectacle initially struggled at the box office, but later grew to be a cultural powerhouse thanks to interactive screenings, audience participation, and a devoted fan base.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, the Academy Museum in Los Angeles organized a special screening of the new 4K remaster to celebrate The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s golden birthday. Curry made a special public appearance and received a standing ovation from the audience and fellow cast members in attendance, Patricia Quinn, Lou Adler, Barry Bostwick, Nell Campbell, and producer Lou Adler.
Curry also joined his fellow cast and crew onstage for a discussion and Q&A session, where he reflected on originating the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the theatre before making his film debut. The actor also reflected on Rocky Horror’s enduring fandom, saying that the film being embraced by the LGBTQ+ audience means a lot. Read his comment below:
[It] means a lot because I think the message of the film — don’t dream it, be it — is very important. 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.
What This Means For The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Appearances like this are rare for Curry, as the actor suffered a major stroke in 2012, causing him to use a wheelchair due to limited mobility in his left side. Still, he has made occasional work appearances, like voice work and his role in 2024’s Stream.
This anniversary screening, along with Curry’s participation, is about more than nostalgia. It demonstrates the ongoing impact of Rocky Horror, a project that began as a modest cult experiment and grew to be a global community-building phenomenon. The way audiences still respond, the midnight rituals that persist, and the film’s message of self-expression all reflect a film that transcends its era.
Richard O’Brien’s son released Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror earlier this year, a documentary that examines the film’s legacy and fan culture.
After Rocky Horror, Curry built an eclectic career, spanning stage, film, and TV. He received critical acclaim for his role in Darkness in Legend and cemented his horror icon status as Pennywise in the 1990s It miniseries. However, his Dr. Frank-N-Furter remains one of the public’s favorite iconic horror and musical characters.
Our Take On The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s 50th Anniversary
Tim Curry’s special appearance is more than just a highlight of a fan celebration; it’s a reminder of how deeply a singular performance can embed itself in culture. Though many stars fade with time, Curry’s spirit remains central to Rocky Horror’s identity, and his presence gave the 50th anniversary an emotional weight that few could match.