Few films have had a career-changing effect quite like Rocky Horror Picture Show.
One legendary actor feared it might end his journey in Hollywood entirely.
Decades later, a cheeky royal confession revealed just how far its reach extended.
When Rocky Horror Picture Showpremiered in 1975, it was a critical and commercial flop.
'It died a death. It was a failure. I was crushed...I thought that it might well be [the end of my movie career]. But I was tougher than that.'
The musical, originally written by Richard O'Brien, boldly parodied sci-fi and horror films of the 1950s while celebrating early rock 'n' roll, sexual freedom, and open queerness.
Audiences did not immediately embrace it, but midnight screenings in New York City began to change that.
Fans dressed up, talked back to the screen, and gradually transformed the movie into a cult phenomenon.
The film has run in theatres continuously for 50 years, surviving only a brief pandemic pause.
Royal approval and memorable encounters
Perhaps the most enchanting anecdote from Curry's recent CBS Sunday Morning interview involved royalty.
During a performance at the Royal National Theatre, he met Princess Diana and then-Prince Charles backstage.
While Charles politely inquired about television work, Diana asked directly, 'You were in The Rocky Horror Show, weren't you?'
Curry replied, 'Yes, I was. But I don't suppose you saw it.'
Diana shot back, 'Of course I did—it quite completed my education.'
'She was a very funny girl, and a very beautiful one and sort of the—the very wicked smile came with that sentence,' Curry recalled, clearly still charmed by the memory decades later.
Source: Instagram/cbssundaymorning
Continuing creativity despite challenges
Despite the stroke that left him partially paralysed and wheelchair-bound in 2012, Curry has continued creative work.
He voiced the character 'Lockwood' in the 2024 horror film Stream and contributed to shows like Young Justice, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
Curry also reflected on the film's lasting impact: 'I've had people who left [the film] thinking they would stay the stuff they had always wanted to say and did.'
He believes Rocky Horror gives people 'permission to be who they really are,' with its core message being 'be who you want to be — and have the b—s to do it.'
In a world where nonconforming sexual identities remain under scrutiny, the escapism and irreverent fun of Rocky Horror Picture Show feels 'perhaps more relevant than ever.'
Golden anniversary celebration
The CBS Sunday Morning feature reunited Curry with Barry Bostwick, producer Lou Adler, and film scholar Jeffrey Weinstock to celebrate the movie’s golden anniversary.
The film still plays Saturday nights at midnight across the country and will be released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray disc on 7 October.
'For your first movie to run for 50 years is crazy,' Curry observed—a modest understatement from an actor whose performance became iconic.
Rocky Horror by the numbers
50 years of continuous theatrical screenings (the longest in film history)
Started as a 1973 London stage musical—Initial box office flop in 1975—Became cult phenomenon through midnight showings in NYC—Still plays Saturday nights at midnight across America
What This Means For You
Tim Curry once feared that Rocky Horror would end his movie career after its initial flop, a fear that now seems almost unbelievable given the film’s enduring success.
Even royalty took notice—Princess Diana revealed she had watched the film, saying it 'quite completed my education,' highlighting its surprising cultural reach.
Over the past 50 years, Rocky Horror has run continuously in theatres, building a devoted cult following that celebrates self-expression and individuality.
Despite facing significant health challenges, including a stroke, Curry continues voice acting and remains a passionate advocate for the film’s message of self-acceptance.
His story serves as a reminder that setbacks can lead to lasting impact, and it’s never too late to embrace your true self or find joy in unexpected places.
Tim Curry’s journey from near career disaster to cult icon shows how resilience and determination can turn setbacks into lasting success.
A similar story of professional revival can be found in the entertainment world, where facing public scrutiny and challenges doesn’t always mark the end of a career.
Following the paths of those who overcome obstacles can offer inspiration and perspective on navigating unexpected hurdles in life and work.
Read more: Not guilty! What Craig McLachlan’s verdict means for his future stardom
Failure: Iconic actor Tim Curry thought Rocky Horror Picture Show ended his career — Covers Tim Curry reflecting on the initial flop of Rocky Horror and how he feared it might end his acting career.
https://www.news.com.au/entertainme...bc60ad8725493892409bd37c9cedc6?from=rss-basic
The ROCKY HORROR Cast Looks Back on 50 Years of Glitz 'n Glam — Nerdist — Discusses Curry’s impact as Dr. Frank-N-Furter and the film’s ongoing legacy, including his experience living with partial paralysis.
https://nerdist.com/article/rocky-horror-picture-show-cast-reflects-50-years/
Tim Curry thought 'Rocky Horror Show' was end of his career — Yahoo Entertainment — Curry talks about the film’s initial failure and his personal reaction, admitting he thought it might end his movie career.
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/movies/articles/tim-curry-thought-rocky-horror-204256765.html
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" turns 50: "Don't dream it, be it" — CBS News — Details the transformation of the film into a cult favourite through midnight showings and audience participation.
Rocky Horror Icon Tim Curry Reveals Princess Diana's Cheeky Comment About Watching The Film — Yahoo News — Shares Curry’s story of meeting Princess Diana and her memorable comment about Rocky Horror.
https://ca.news.yahoo.com/rocky-horror-icon-tim-curry-142850877.html
Tim Curry Reveals Princess Diana’s Rocky Horror Confession — Yahoo News — Further details Diana’s witty remark backstage and Curry’s recollection of her personality and smile.
https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment...m-curry-reveals-princess-diana-151155266.html
Tim Curry—Wikipedia — Provides background on Curry’s career, including his recent voice work in Stream and other projects post-stroke.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tim_Curry
"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" turns 50: "Don't dream it, be it" — CBS News — Covers the CBS Sunday Morning feature celebrating the film’s golden anniversary with Curry, Barry Bostwick, and others.
Video: THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW Stars Celebrate 50 Years on CBS SUNDAY MORNING — Broadway World — Highlights the reunion of Curry, Bostwick, and producer Lou Adler for the 50th anniversary feature.
https://www.broadwayworld.com/artic...brate-50-Years-on-CBS-SUNDAY-MORNING-20250908
The ROCKY HORROR Cast Looks Back on 50 Years of Glitz 'n Glam — Nerdist — Notes that the film still plays Saturday nights at midnight and will be released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray, underlining its lasting cultural impact.
https://nerdist.com/article/rocky-horror-picture-show-cast-reflects-50-years/
From near career disaster to cultural icon, Tim Curry’s Rocky Horror journey proves that our greatest fears can sometimes become our most lasting triumphs—what’s your favourite memory of a midnight screening, or how has the film shaped your sense of self?
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BITE.
He’s not dead he’s still alive and working 
