Tim Curry'S Cult Classic Triumph: Why His Mom Wasn'T Impressed

Tim Curry's Unforgettable Role

Tim Curry's rise to fame with 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' in 1975 was nothing short of iconic. Playing the flamboyant Frank-N-Furter, a trans alien scientist, Curry became a household name. But not everyone was thrilled about his newfound stardom – his biggest critic was his own mother, Patricia Curry.

In a candid chat with CBS Sunday Morning, Curry revealed that his mother wasn't impressed by his performance or the fame that followed. "She didn't make much of it," he shared with correspondent Ben Mankiewicz. "She was scared of it. She thought it would change me."

"She said to me later that, 'I thought your head was gonna grow too big.' There was certainly a whole thing about not putting your head above the parapet. It wasn't good to be noticed. She would have preferred me to operate under the radar." – Tim Curry

A Complex Maternal Bond

Curry's relationship with his mother was complicated. After losing his father at the tender age of 12, his life was largely shaped by Patricia's expectations. "Having my life run by my mother was a very different experience," Curry reflected, hinting at her possible bipolar disorder. "Her expectations were different. She could be really chilly."

Despite her reservations about his career, Curry's portrayal of Frank-N-Furter didn't falter. When Mankiewicz jokingly pointed out Curry's failure to "stay under the radar," the actor admitted, "I never did. I didn't give a s--- about the radar."

The Legacy of Rocky Horror

Curry's initial stage performance in 'Rocky Horror' paved the way for the film adaptation, which surprisingly flopped at the box office before becoming a cult classic. His decision to portray Frank-N-Furter with a posh, diva-like demeanor was inspired by an overheard conversation on a bus, where a woman spoke in a regal tone.

Fast forward to the 50th anniversary of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' Curry celebrated the film's lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community. "I think the message of the film – 'Don't dream it, be it' – is very important," he emphasized, acknowledging how the film's message allowed people to express themselves freely.

In the end, while his mother may not have understood his success, Curry's role in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' remains a powerful testament to his talent and the film's enduring legacy.