How this legendary actor almost lost it all to Rocky Horror—and what saved him

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.

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.

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.

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

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?