The Rocky Horror Picture Showisa cult classicthat stands strong as one of the greatest musicals of all time. Originally a stage production, this comedy-horror moved onto the big screen, becoming a commercial hit that launched the careers of a young Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon. WhileThe Rocky Horror Picture Showinitially suffered at the opinions of critics, it was adored by audiences who held midnight screenings, dressed as the characters, and frequently talked back to or threw things at the screen.
Now, nearly 50 years after its initial premiere,The Rocky Horror Picture Showis still being exhibited in limited viewings, making it the longest theatrical release in film history. It was even beloved enough, and the fandom behind it strong enough, that itscreened to an empty theater for 54 weeksduring the pandemic just to keep the tradition alive.
The Rocky Horror Picture Showcreated a community, uniting people over the globe through its catchy songs, identification with the LGBTQ+ community, and legendary “Time Warp” dance that is imitated worldwide. Additionally, annualRocky Horrorconventions are held across America and theater troupes throughout the states produce shadow cast performances. Evidently,The Rocky Horror Picture Showholds a deep connection with people that has only grown over the decades. So, what happened to the cast ofRocky Horrorwho starred in this masterpiece? Let’s take a time warp through their careers.
After graduating from university with English and Drama in 1968,Tim Currysecured a part in the Broadway musical,Hair. It was here that he would meet Richard O’Brien, who went on to writeThe Rocky Horror Picture Showand cast Curry as the eccentric transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank N-Furter. After the stage production ofRocky Horrormoved to film, this crazed character became a fan favorite due to his unashamed sexuality, dramatic mannerisms, and bold disregard for the consequences of his actions. As a result, Curry became a household name andeven dressed in full Dr. Frank-N-Furter costumeto visit screenings of the movie.
Following the end ofThe Rocky Horror Picture Show’s run on Broadway, Tim Curry continued on the stage, starring in productions likeAmadeus(1981),A Christmas Carol(2001), andSpamalot(2004), which sold more than $1 million worth of tickets in the first 24 hours. The actor also appeared in comedic film roles such as the Plaza Hotel concierge inHome Alone 2: Lost in New Yorkin 1992 andThe Three Musketeersa year later, along with the belovedClue. However, one of his best known performances was Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 horror miniseriesIt, based on theStephen King bookof the same name.
Since suffering a minor stroke in 2012, Curry has moved the majority of his work to voice acting, focusing mostly on audiobooks, and fans celebratedthe icon’s 75th birthdaylast year.
Susan Sarandon
Susan Sarandonwas only in her late twenties when she was cast as the timid but audacious heroine, Janet Weiss, inThe Rocky Horror Picture Show. Prior to this, Sarandon had only appeared in the soap operasA World ApartandSearch Tomorrowbetween 1970 and 1972. In the wake ofRocky Horror’ssuccess, andher performance of the sensual song“Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me,” Sarandon began to gain recognition within the film industry. However, it was not until the release ofThelma and Louisein 1991that this actress finally began to flourish. Scoring her first Academy Award nomination with this road crime drama, Sarandon was nominated another two times before finally winning in 1995 forDead Man Walking, in which she played a nun who regularly visits a murderer on death row.
In the later years of her career, Sarandon has depicted a range of characters such as the evil Queen Narissa in the live action/animated musical film,Enchanted,and Bette Davis in the FX anthology series,Feud.
Barry Bostwick
“Dammit, Janet” isThe Rocky Horror Picture Showsong synonymous with the character Brad Majors, a role which actorBarry Bostwickplayed perfectly. Although initially taking an interest in music and even producing a minor BillBoard single in 1970, “Lady Love,” Bostwick could not resist his desire for acting. Before starring as the naive but unforgettable Brad, Bostwick earned a Tony nomination forhis role as Danny Zukoin the stage production ofGreasein 1970.
However, sinceRocky Horror’srelease, this actor has mostly stayed on screen, playing the mayor in sitcomSpin Cityfrom 1996-2002 and even making an appearance in the musical-comedy drama,Glee, for theirRocky Horrorthemed episode in 2010. From 2009-2015, Bostwick held a recurring role as Roger Frank inCougar Town,and in 2020, he produced and starred in the short film,Molly Robber, which won an Audience Award at the Austin Film Festival that year. He’s also starred in some recent horror movies, likeTales of HalloweenandRob Zombie’sThree From Hell.Nevertheless, Bostwick has never forgotten hisRocky Horrorroots and in 2021, he hosted several special screenings of the film around the states that consisted of costume contests and memorabilia displays.
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Richard O’Brien
When viewing the quirky and disturbing servant, Riff Raff, inThe Rocky Horror Picture Show, one would never think that he was the mastermind behind the entireRocky Horrorfranchise. Played byRichard O’Brien, the English-New Zealand actor createdRocky Horror Picture Showin 1973 and since then, the musical has remained in almost continuous production. From this time onward, the award-winning director has continued writing, producing three songs for the musical comedy filmThe Return of Captain Invinciblein 1983. O’Brien also appeared inThe Rocky Horror Show’slimited 11 performance-run in 2015.
In 2004,the playwright was honoredfor his contribution to the arts by members of the Hamilton City Council in New Zealand, with a statue of hisRocky Horrorcharacter, Riff Raff. In the early 90s, he took a step back from the theater to host UK Channel 4’s game show,Crystal Maze, for four years. In 2016, O’Brien returned for a guest appearance on the show, instead performing as the Crystal Maze Computer in a one off Celebrity episode for charity.
Patricia Quinn
Patricia Quinn took on the role ofMagenta, the eerie castle maid, after minimal prior acting experience. Born in Northern Ireland, Quinn trained at the Drama Centre London and landed a role playing Elizabeth in the 1975 miniseries,The Love School. After her big break withRocky Horrorthat same year, the actress portrayed small parts on screen, includingHawk the Slayer,Monty Python,andDoctor Who. However, Quinn clearly holds Magenta close to her heart, and in 2008 made a guest appearance in a production ofThe Rocky Horror Picture Showin New York, participating in a question and answer session and unexpectedly performing the movie’s opening song, “Science Fiction/Double Feature.” Although her time on screen ended in 2013, the former actress iscontinuously active in theRocky Horrorsceneand was featured as the guest of honor at the 40th Anniversary Tribute Concert to the originalRocky Horror Showstage production.
Nell Campbell
Welsh-born actressNell Campbellstarted tap dancing at age 10, a talent that eventually became a staple of her character Columbia inThe Rocky Horror Picture Show. After an impromptu audition, Campbell grabbed the part of the wild groupie in the originalstage productionand followed it onto the screen. After this, the now-movie star appeared in the 1981Rocky Horrorfollow-up,the underseenShock Treatment, this time playing Nurse Ansalong. However, Campbell’s true passion was music, and the singer found success with singles like “Stilettos and Lipstick” and “Do the Swim,” with a final record, “Beauty Queen” being released in 1980. Since this period, the former theater star only performs in minor roles, and opened a nightclub in 1986 which closed in 2004.
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Jonathan Adams
Jonathan Adamsinitially trained as an artistand became recognized for his surrealist cartoons and collages. However, after being cast as rival scientist, Dr Everett V Scott, inThe Rocky Horror Picture Show, the painter-turned-actor found a love for the performing arts. Throughout the 70s and 80s, Adams secured a number of television roles in shows likeJesus of Nazarethin 1977,The Adventures of Sherlock Holmesin 1985, andThe Barchester Chroniclesin 1982. Despite Adams’ love of acting, it seemed painting had not left his heart and in the early 90s,he left his profession to pursue being an artist. In the following years, Adams’ work became renowned and was exhibited at a wide range of venues including the Barbican Centre and South London Gallery. After his death from a stroke in 2005, a portrait of Adams by British artist, David Gommon, was put on display in the BBC Paintings virtual gallery.
Peter Hinwood
One of the most famous characters ofThe Rocky Horror Picture Showwas Rocky himself, Dr. Frank N-Furter’s creation originally made to serve the scientist. Portrayed by formerprofessional modelPeter Hinwood, this character was a comedic parody of “Frankenstein or the modern Prometheus,” and is imitated with Halloween costumes every year. While Hinwood’s performance was adored worldwide, the actor ended his career early after a few minor roles and instead became anantique dealerin London.In an interview with People Magazinein 2000, the former actor shared his thoughts behind the decision to leave the bright lights of Hollywood: “One, I can’t act. Two, I cringe with embarrassment every time I see myself on film. Three, I relish a quiet, peaceful life.”
While people today knowMeat Loafas a global rock star, back in 1975, he was Eddie the ex-delivery boy who was killed by Dr. Frank N-Furter in a jealous rage. Prior to being cast inThe Rocky Horror Picture Show, Meat Loaf was already gaining traction in the music industry, having previously been signed to Motown before leaving in the early 70s due to creative disputes. However, it was not until the release of his album,Bat Out of Hellin 1977, that this musician gained the recognition he deserved. This debut album sold over 43 million copies and is certified 14x Platinum. As of June 2019, the album spent 522 weeks in the UK Album Charts and still sells an estimated 200,000 copies annually.
Over the span of his career, Meat Loaf sold over 65 million albums worldwide, earning a Grammy for his song “I’d Do Anything for Love.” However, the star did not abandon his passion for performing, as he had appeared in over 50 films and television shows includingSpice World,Fight Club,and a cameo inGlee’sRocky Horrorepisode. In January 2022,Meat Loaf passed away at age 74due to Covid-19 complications. Hot patooties, bless his soul, he really loved that rock and roll, and we loved him, too.
