Tim Curry, beloved for his iconic turn as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, made a rare and moving public appearance, reminding fans of his resilience and enduring charisma.
At the Rocky Horror Picture Show’s 50th anniversary screening at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday, October 4, Curry addressed the crowd in his wheelchair, according to CNN.
“I’d like to tell you that I haven’t been legless before tonight, but it wouldn’t be true. Unfortunately, I’m currently sitting in a wheelchair, so get over it!” he told the cheering crowd.
It was a touching moment for longtime fans, who haven’t seen much of the 79-year-old actor since his stroke in 2012.
Barry Bostwick Gave Curry a Sweet Introduction
Joined by fellow cast member Barry Bostwick, Curry was showered with applause and gratitude for his legendary role that defined a generation of cult cinema.
Curry also bantered with Bostwick and said, “When Barry was being introduced, he was introduced as ‘OG,’ and I’m assuming that means ‘old geyser.’”
“We’re all that way, Tim,” Bostwick added.
Bostwick shared nostalgic memories from the original Rocky Horror filming, praising Curry’s kindness and humor on set.
“When I first met everybody on the set or in rehearsal for ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ you were the one who came up and gave the biggest hug, and gave us the warmest welcome,” he said. “And I’ll never forget that,” Bostwick said of Curry.
He also recalled the first moment he met Curry with fellow cast members Susan Sarandon and the late Meat Loaf.
“When we got off the plane, you hugged us and you said, ‘Welcome, welcome, welcome to your world’ – and we’ve been there for 50 years,” he kindly told Curry. “Thank you, Tim. We love you.”
Health Update & Ongoing Strength
Though Curry remains out of the limelight, he made another appearance in September and opened up about his stroke, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
He spoke to the crowd about his limitations. “I still can’t walk, which is why I’m in this silly chair, and that’s very limiting,” he said. “So I won’t be singing and I won’t be dancing very soon. I still have real problems with my left leg.”
The “Home Alone 2” actor also recalled the moment he had the stroke.
“I was having a massage at the time and I didn’t even actually notice anything, but the guy who was doing the massage said, ‘I’m worried about you, I want to call an ambulance,'” Curry noted.
He believed it was “silly” at the time, as he didn’t realize he was having a medical issue.
