The cult classic movie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, celebrates its 50th anniversary since its original release in 1975. Tim Curry looks back on his career-changing role, and how one popular rockstar of the 70s almost landed the leading role of Frank-N-Furter.
In an interview with the LA Time, Curry reveals how the musical comedy horror became a cult sensation with his corset and makeup-wearing transexual character becoming an icon.
But the actor spills on how the studio might not have been happy when its director turned down Mick Jagger for the leading role.
“When the movie was a definite thing, there were several big stars who wanted to play the part,” recalls Curry.
“Mick Jagger wanted to play it and he would’ve done a great job if you saw ‘Performance.’ But [director Sharman] said he wanted me to do it. I don’t think the studio was happy that he turned down Mick,” he said.
In an interview with The Guardian, screenwriter Richard O’Brien revealed Jagger not only wanted to star as Frank-N-Furter, but also buy the rights to the movie.
“I was approached by Mick Jagger’s people to buy the rights because he wanted to play Frank,” explained OBrien.
“I spoke to [director] Jim [Sharman], and he went: ‘No, don’t do that.’ I said: ‘Why not?’ He said: “Well, that means we won’t be able to make it.” It had never occurred to me that we’d be allowed to,” he added.
Curry was ultimately the top choice to play the Frank-N-Furter, seeing as he had brought to life the character on stage in 1974 before it became a movie on the big screen. Jagger has since never made a public comment on wanting to have starred in the movie.
Playing Frank-N-Furter changed Curry’s career trajectory and life, playing a role that mixed glamour and androgyny.
“It was part of the sexual revolution, really,” said Curry. “Experiment was in the air and it was palpable. I gave them permission to be who they discovered they wanted to be. I’m proud of that.”
