UPDATE, with tribute from playwright Richard O’Brien: Richard O’Brien, who wrote The Rocky Horror Show and cast his friend Tim Curry in the central role of Frank-N-Furter back in the ’70s, joined the current Broadway revival in offering up a heartfelt tribute to the late actor who died Tuesday at the age of 80.
In a message written by O’Brien (who also played Riff Raff in both the stage musical and film) and posted on Instagram by his son Linus O’Brien, the playwright writes, “It is with an exceptionally sad heart and misted-up eyes that I share these words with you. Tim Curry was a wonderful man by nature who was also a wonderful performer and understood the difference between such delightful achievements. He never sought attention and never put himself before the roles that he played. He was, in short, a good egg and class act. It was both a privilege and delight to have known him and worked with him. Rest in peace dear Tim.”
Broadway’s hit Tony-nominated revival of The Rocky Horror Show also remembered the man who made Frank-N-Furter a style icon in high heels, garter-supported fishnets and skin-tight bodice and who embodied one of the most beloved, campiest characters to ever grace a midnight movie.
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In a post on the production’s Instagram page, the show writes, alongside a photo of Curry in character from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, “Remembering the legendary Tim Curry, who first brought Frank-N-Furter to life. We are heartbroken by his passing and grateful for the unforgettable legacy he leaves behind. Thank you, Tim, for giving the world a little more freedom, a little more fearlessness, and through the tears in our eyes, the courage to BE IT. We love you.”
The “BE IT” line references one of Rocky Horror‘s most famous catchphrases: “Don’t dream it, be it.”
Although a flop when Curry led the cast in its original 1975 Broadway staging, panned by critics and closing after just 45 performances, the musical was revived for a more successful run in a 2002 Circle in the Square staging starring Tom Hewitt, Lea DeLaria, Jarrod Emick and Joan Jett.
An even bigger hit revival arrived at Broadway’s Studio 54 venue last March in the Sam Pinkleton-directed staging starring Luke Evans (in the Frank-N-Furter role), Rachel Dratch, Andrew Durand, Amber Gray, Stephanie Hsu and Juliette Lewis. Last week, The Rocky Horror Show grossed a big $949,446 for the final week or original cast members Evans, Hsu and Durand. Jake Shears takes over for Evans on September 11, with Lorna Courtney and Kevin McHale joining the cast August 25.
