Blab Entertainment
Luke Evans Reflects on Tim Currys Legacy After Sending Letter Before the Actors Death
At the Toronto International Film Festival, Entertainment Weekly sat down with Welsh actor Luke Evans to discuss his Tony‑nominated turn as Dr. Frank‑N‑Furter in the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show. Evans revealed that, in the final weeks of Tim Curry’s life, he had written and mailed a handwritten note to the late actor, who died on August 25, 2026 at the age of 80.
"I was very appreciative," Evans said, recalling Curry’s reaction to the letter. According to the actor, Curry was "very sick" when he received it, battling speech and mobility challenges in his last months. Evans also mentioned speaking with Curry’s publisher after the actor’s passing.
The letter, which Evans later posted on Instagram, thanked Curry for the “brave” performance that turned the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show into a cultural touchstone. Evans noted that Curry’s portrayal gave a voice to people who felt misunderstood about their identity.
Curry’s career spanned nearly six decades, beginning on the West End stage in 1968 and reaching global prominence with his roles as Dr. Frank‑N‑Furter in the 1973–75 stage production and the 1975 film adaptation. The character—a cross‑dressing mad scientist—became an icon of queer representation and a catalyst for the midnight‑movie tradition that still draws audiences worldwide.
Los Angeles County public health records confirmed Curry’s death, citing coronary artery disease as the underlying cause, with a history of stroke and kidney cancer noted as contributing conditions.
Evans, who portrayed Frank‑N‑Furter on Broadway from March to May 2026, described a “deep connection” to Curry. He said the role had been a “strange, beautiful, tragic way to end my New York experience.” Although he never met Curry in person, Evans feels the actor’s legacy continues to influence performers who take on the role.
The Broadway revival earned nine Tony nominations in 2026, including Best Revival, Best Actor, and Best Featured Actress. Evans’s performance secured him a nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
In the interview, Evans praised the film’s lasting impact. He said the 1975 release gave audiences a “pass to feel free and to look at yourself in a different way.” He added that the film’s message about authenticity and individuality has resonated across generations.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show remains in limited theatrical release in 2026, making it the longest‑running film in history. Its cult following is sustained through midnight screenings, audience participation, and live shadow‑casts.
Curry’s influence extended beyond stage and screen. He earned three Tony nominations for other Broadway roles—including Amadeus, My Favorite Year, and Spamalot—and two Olivier nominations for West End productions.
Evans’s Instagram post included the letter’s text: "Although we’ve never met, you’ve been part of this journey from the very beginning. Every actor who puts on Frank inevitably walks into a conversation that started with you." The post was shared by Entertainment Weekly’s own social media channels.
The interview took place at Entertainment Weekly’s studio during the festival’s opening weekend, and Evans thanked the publication for covering his Broadway work.
The Rocky Horror franchise continues to be celebrated. In 2025, a 50‑year anniversary video featuring Curry, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, and Barry Bostwick reflected on the film’s legacy.
As of September 2026, the Broadway revival is scheduled to close in early October. No new releases of the film are announced, but the franchise’s influence persists in contemporary theater and film.
The article concludes that while Tim Curry’s life ended, his artistic impact remains alive through the characters he created and the performers he inspired, including Luke Evans.
"I was very appreciative," Evans said, recalling Curry’s reaction to the letter. According to the actor, Curry was "very sick" when he received it, battling speech and mobility challenges in his last months. Evans also mentioned speaking with Curry’s publisher after the actor’s passing.
The letter, which Evans later posted on Instagram, thanked Curry for the “brave” performance that turned the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show into a cultural touchstone. Evans noted that Curry’s portrayal gave a voice to people who felt misunderstood about their identity.
Curry’s career spanned nearly six decades, beginning on the West End stage in 1968 and reaching global prominence with his roles as Dr. Frank‑N‑Furter in the 1973–75 stage production and the 1975 film adaptation. The character—a cross‑dressing mad scientist—became an icon of queer representation and a catalyst for the midnight‑movie tradition that still draws audiences worldwide.
Los Angeles County public health records confirmed Curry’s death, citing coronary artery disease as the underlying cause, with a history of stroke and kidney cancer noted as contributing conditions.
Evans, who portrayed Frank‑N‑Furter on Broadway from March to May 2026, described a “deep connection” to Curry. He said the role had been a “strange, beautiful, tragic way to end my New York experience.” Although he never met Curry in person, Evans feels the actor’s legacy continues to influence performers who take on the role.
The Broadway revival earned nine Tony nominations in 2026, including Best Revival, Best Actor, and Best Featured Actress. Evans’s performance secured him a nomination for Best Actor in a Musical.
In the interview, Evans praised the film’s lasting impact. He said the 1975 release gave audiences a “pass to feel free and to look at yourself in a different way.” He added that the film’s message about authenticity and individuality has resonated across generations.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show remains in limited theatrical release in 2026, making it the longest‑running film in history. Its cult following is sustained through midnight screenings, audience participation, and live shadow‑casts.
Curry’s influence extended beyond stage and screen. He earned three Tony nominations for other Broadway roles—including Amadeus, My Favorite Year, and Spamalot—and two Olivier nominations for West End productions.
Evans’s Instagram post included the letter’s text: "Although we’ve never met, you’ve been part of this journey from the very beginning. Every actor who puts on Frank inevitably walks into a conversation that started with you." The post was shared by Entertainment Weekly’s own social media channels.
The interview took place at Entertainment Weekly’s studio during the festival’s opening weekend, and Evans thanked the publication for covering his Broadway work.
The Rocky Horror franchise continues to be celebrated. In 2025, a 50‑year anniversary video featuring Curry, Patricia Quinn, Nell Campbell, and Barry Bostwick reflected on the film’s legacy.
As of September 2026, the Broadway revival is scheduled to close in early October. No new releases of the film are announced, but the franchise’s influence persists in contemporary theater and film.
The article concludes that while Tim Curry’s life ended, his artistic impact remains alive through the characters he created and the performers he inspired, including Luke Evans.
