Tim Curry Once Got Thrown Out of a ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Screening

Tim Curry was once thrown out of a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, his iconic 1975 film. The beloved actor, who turned 75 on Monday, told the story many years ago during an interview.

While doing press for his 1982 TV film Oliver Twist, Curry laughed off being tossed from a theater while he was watching Rocky Horror among the singing fans. Asked by reporter Leta Powell if he had seen a cult midnight showing, the actor responded, “Yes, I have. In fact, I was thrown out.”

He explained, “I went rather early on at the Waverly [Theatre] in New York where it started, and they thought I was an imposter. And they threw me out.” Curry noted he was not in costume when he was tossed.

The Waverly (now IFC Center) was the original home of the midnight audience-participation screenings of Rocky Horror, which then spread across the country and still takes place to this day.

Asked about his feelings on the audience-participation screening, he said, “I thought it was enormous fun. I was having a ball — and then I got thrown out.”

Curry on Monday was trending on social media as fans noted their favorite films and characters he has played over his illustrious decades-long career. Dr. Frank-N-Furter was, of course, among the top of the list.

Watch the retro interview below.