Tim Curry thought ‘Rocky Horror Show’ was end of his career: ‘It was a failure’

Don’t dream it, be it.

In a rare interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Tim Curry, 79, went down memory lane about his iconic performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which celebrated its 50th anniversary in August.

Tim Curry in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Tim Curry on CBS Mornings. CBS

“It died a death. It was a failure,” he said, referring to how the 1975 cult classic musical comedy film initially had a tepid reception.

Curry, who currently lives with paralysis caused by a stroke, added that after the film seemed to flop, “I was crushed…I thought that it might well be [the end of my movie career]. But I was tougher than that,” he said.

However, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” soon picked up steam with midnight showings in New York City and became a cult hit, drawing audiences who dressed up and talked back to the screen. The film has been running continuously in theaters longer than any other movie in history.

Nell Campbell, Tim Curry and Patricia Quinn in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

“For your first movie to run for 50 years is crazy,” Curry said, referring to the flick’s continued success.

The horror musical movie follows a young couple, Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon), whose car breaks down near a castle inhabited by strange beings such as the alien “transvestite” Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Curry) and his mad scientist creation, Rocky (Peter Hinwood).

Curry also played the role in the original 1973 London stage production before it was made into a film.

Tim Curry, Barry Bostwick, and Susan Sarandon in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

Tim Curry in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

The “Muppet Treasure Island” actor’s career stalled after his stroke left him wheelchair-bound, but he appeared in his first feature film role in 14 years with the 2024 movie “Stream.”

He continued doing some voice work after his health battle, including shows like “Young Justice” and “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.”

“I’ve had people who left [the film] thinking they would stay the stuff they had always wanted to say and did,” Curry told CBS.

When asked if he thought “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” gave people permission to be who they really are, Curry said, “I think so.” He also added that he thinks the movie’s message is “be who you want to be — and have the b—s to do it.”