Richard O'Brien Honours Tim Curry, Reflecting on Their Lasting Collaboration

Richard O’Brien, the writer and creator behind The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has expressed his sadness at the passing of Tim Curry, describing his long-time collaborator as a "good egg and class act." Curry died at his Los Angeles home at the age of 80, having faced health challenges since a major stroke in 2012.

O'Brien shared his sentiments with "an exceptionally sad heart and misted-up eyes," praising Curry as a "wonderful man by nature" and an equally "wonderful performer." He noted Curry's ability to differentiate between these achievements, never seeking personal attention over the roles he embodied.

Curry was widely recognised for his iconic portrayal of Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a role that O'Brien suggests was critical to the show's enduring success. He also gained acclaim for playing Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It.

Throughout a career spanning over five decades, Curry built an extensive body of work across various mediums, including film, television, theatre, animation, and voice acting. His filmography included roles in Annie, Clue, Legend, The Hunt for Red October, The Three Musketeers, Congo, Addams Family Reunion, and Scary Movie 2.

In a television interview last year, Curry reflected on mortality with his characteristic wit, stating, "I don’t fear death. I try to avoid it. I think we all do, but I suspect that in the end, I will welcome it." He added, "I think it may be very comforting to go bye-bye, and I want to earn it."

O’Brien, who moved to New Zealand at age 10 and grew up in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, drew direct inspiration for The Rocky Horror Picture Show from his experiences, particularly his time working as a barber in Hamilton. His son, Linus, noted in a 2025 documentary that without Curry defining the role in the original stage production, "Rocky would not be what it is today."

Curry secured the role of the alien transvestite mad scientist over other contenders, including Mick Jagger. O’Brien previously told The Hollywood Reporter that he was "most grateful to Tim Curry," believing that if anyone else had played the part, the show might not have achieved its remarkable longevity.