Tim Curry's Rocky Horror Costars Pay Tribute: "He Was a Good Egg and a Class Act"

The cast of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, including Barry Bostwick and Patricia Quinn, has shared touching tributes for their costar Tim Curry, who died on Tuesday, August 25, at age 80.

Bostwick, 81, who played Brad Majors, one half of the unsuspecting couple who arrive at Dr. Frank-N-Furter's house, wrote, "'The river was deep but you swam it…the road was long but you ran it.' Dammit, Tim, I love you!"

Meanwhile, Quinn, 82, who played the maid Magenta, shared in a statement, "I am in shock and utterly saddened and heartbroken by the news of Tim's passing."

Nell Campbell, who originated the role of Campbell, a friend and former lover of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, in both the onstage and on-screen productions, called Curry a "generous" actor. "There was so much more to Tim than met the eye… and that includes the fishnets," she said in a statement. "He was a wit, kind, thoughtful, generous, quite shy, bookish, loved you being naughty and joyful company. Had Tim not been cast in the original stage show of Rocky Horror, who knows if the film would have followed. I will miss him tremendously."

Richard O'Brien's Tribute

Richard O'Brien shared a touching tribute to his former costar, over 50 years after originating the role of Riff Raff, the handyman. "It is with an exceptionally sad heart and misted-up eyes that I share these words with you," he began.

"Tim Curry was a wonderful man by nature who was also a wonderful performer and understood the difference between such delightful achievements. He never sought attention and never put himself before the roles that he played. He was, in short, a good egg and class act. It was both a privilege and delight to have known him and worked with him. Rest in peace, dear Tim," O'Brien, 84, wrote.

A Life in Performance

Curry, born in the U.K. on April 19, 1946, died peacefully at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, his manager told PEOPLE in a statement. He was best known for his wide range of comedic, often villainous roles. Most famously, he played Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 musical cult classic.

Despite its initial lukewarm reception upon its release, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, became a cult classic and has been screened regularly across the world for 50 years. In the film, newly engaged couple Janet and Brad end up stranded at a castle where Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Curry) is throwing a wild party, creating a monster and stealing the young couple's innocence forever. Five decades later, the film is still in a limited release, making it the longest-running theatrical release of all time.

A Lasting Legacy

In October 2024, Bostwick spoke with PEOPLE about the film's lasting legacy and how it's evolved beyond being just a movie. "We're now on our third generation of fans, and they are just as enthusiastic as their grandparents," he said. "I can't even say it is a movie anymore. It's a movement. It's a movement that is gathering followers."

He added, "We are like the church of Rocky Horror—the church of liberation. The whole 'Don't dream it, be it' syndrome, and it just keeps on getting more important."

During a September 2025 interview in honor of the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with CBS Sunday Morning, Curry spoke about Dr. Frank-N-Furter's impact. "He's a tough guy. And he expects the world to revolve around him," Curry said. "I've had people who left [the film] thinking they would say the stuff they had always wanted to say and did."

The Final Years

In 2012, Curry suffered a major stroke and mostly pulled back on his acting career, focusing instead on voiceover projects. In his 2025 memoir, Vagabond, he wrote about how the stroke affected his career. "Honestly, I still feel very grateful that it was not a speech stroke, as losing the ability to be verbal and use words would have been devastating for me," he said. "Even as it was, I went through several weeks of being unable to speak, which is hell for anyone, let alone a career actor."

A Legacy That Endures

Curry's legacy is one of fearlessness, wit, and unparalleled talent. His portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter challenged norms and inspired generations to embrace their individuality. As Bostwick noted, the film has become a movement, a celebration of liberation and self-expression. Curry's contribution to that movement is immeasurable.

The tributes from his co-stars reflect the profound impact he had on those who knew him personally. He was, as O'Brien said, "a good egg and a class act." His memory will live on through his work and the countless lives he touched.