Remembering Tim Curry

Tim Curry, the British actor whose career spanned stage, screen, and voice acting, passed away at the age of 80. Known for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," Curry's influence extended far beyond this cult classic. This episode of Fresh Air revisits a 2005 interview with Terry Gross, offering a glimpse into the life and multifaceted career of a performer who embraced the outrageous and the unexpected.

The Enduring Legacy of Dr. Frank-N-Furter

Curry's most famous role, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, originated on stage in the early 1970s before transitioning to the big screen in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." This film, based on the hit London stage musical, became a cult hit, particularly in midnight movie showings where Curry's "aggressively outrageous" starring role found a loyal new audience. Fifty years later, the film continues to be screened at local midnight showings across the country, and the original stage musical is still running on Broadway.

Terry Gross (01:03) notes the film's enduring popularity and the unique audience participation it inspired. Curry reflects on the phenomenon, explaining that the audience often includes a core group of Monty Python fans who anticipate and react to familiar bits. He describes them as "hugely welcoming" and thrilled to see characters and sketches they recognize. However, he also humorously adds that they don't talk along with the film, as "that would need a spanking." Gross (01:47) also expresses her amazement at the sight of 12-year-olds outside the theater dressed in transvestite clothes, imitating Curry's character. Curry believes the film's appeal is multifaceted: it's daring, offers a weekend party atmosphere, and provides a chance for people to "try on a few roles for size," perhaps even helping them explore their own sexuality. He shares that he has received "very interesting and moving mail from people who have said, 'You know, thanks for helping me figure out who I was.'"

Curry (01:51) recounts how he landed the role of Frank-N-Furter. He had been working extensively at the Royal Court Theatre in London, performing in various plays and even a "dreadful Marxist musical." The next show to come in was "The Rocky Horror Show." Initially, Curry played Frank-N-Furter as German, but a chance encounter on a bus, where he overheard a woman speaking with a distinct accent, inspired him to change his approach. He thought, "Yes, she should sound like the Queen." This shift in vocal delivery became a defining characteristic of the role.