Luke Evans has opened up about a deeply personal connection he shared with the late Tim Curry, revealing that the legendary actor responded to a letter Evans sent him shortly before his death.
Curry, best known for creating the unforgettable Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, died at 80 on August 25, 2026. His death was attributed to coronary artery disease.
For Evans, the loss carried special meaning. The Welsh actor had recently stepped into Curry’s most famous role during the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show.
Luke Evans and Tim Curry Shared a Connection Through Frank-N-Furter
Evans never met Curry in person. However, taking on Frank-N-Furter gave him a strong sense of connection to the actor who made the character famous.
During an interview with Entertainment Weekly at the Toronto International Film Festival, Evans explained that he had written to Curry while performing the role.
Curry received the letter and responded appreciatively, according to Evans. The actor also said he later spoke with Curry’s publisher and learned more about how difficult the star’s final period had been.
Curry had experienced serious health problems for years following a major stroke in 2012. He continued working in voice acting and remained connected with fans despite his reduced public appearances.
Evans Wanted to Honour Curry, Not Imitate Him
Playing Frank-N-Furter came with an obvious challenge for Evans.
Curry’s performance had become inseparable from the character. Rather than attempting to recreate that performance, Evans said his goal was to honour the work while bringing his own interpretation to the role.
In a letter shared publicly after Curry’s death, Evans described the experience of stepping into Frank-N-Furter as a conversation that began with Curry decades earlier.
He also acknowledged how difficult it was to follow such an influential performance.
That approach became particularly meaningful after Curry’s passing.
Tim Curry’s Death Came as Evans’ Broadway Run Ended
The timing of Curry’s death made the experience even more emotional for Evans.
His Broadway run as Frank-N-Furter had recently concluded. As news of Curry’s death spread, Evans found himself reflecting on the actor’s enormous career and the fact that Frank-N-Furter remained at the centre of so many tributes.
Curry originated the character in the original stage production of The Rocky Horror Show in 1973. He then reprised the role in the 1975 film adaptation, helping turn Frank-N-Furter into one of the most recognisable characters in cult cinema.
Evans said the circumstances created a bittersweet ending to his New York experience.
Tim Curry’s Frank-N-Furter Became a Cultural Icon
Curry’s impact went far beyond one performance.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show initially struggled commercially after its 1975 release. However, midnight screenings helped transform the movie into a major cult phenomenon. Over the decades, audiences developed traditions around screenings, including costumes, audience participation and shouted responses.
Curry’s Frank-N-Furter became central to that lasting popularity.
His performance also helped make the character a symbol of self-expression and individuality. Curry himself continued to discuss the film’s message of embracing who you are during his later years.
Curry’s Legacy Extended Beyond Rocky Horror
Although Frank-N-Furter was Curry’s defining role, his career covered much more than Rocky Horror.
He became known for performances in projects including Clue, Annie, It and Muppet Treasure Island. He also enjoyed a successful stage career and earned three Tony Award nominations.
Curry continued performing after his 2012 stroke, particularly through voice work. His memoir, Vagabond, was published in 2025, offering another look at his life and career.
His final years did not erase his influence. Instead, tributes from fellow performers have highlighted how strongly his work continued to affect new generations.
Luke Evans Reflects on a Lasting Legacy
For Evans, the opportunity to play Frank-N-Furter created a connection with Curry that existed even without a personal meeting.
His letter was ultimately more than a message from one actor to another. It was an acknowledgement of the performer who created the role Evans had been trusted to carry forward.
Curry’s response, according to Evans, meant that he knew his message had reached its intended recipient.
Now, after Curry’s death, Evans’ experience offers another reminder of the lasting influence of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the actor who helped define it.
Curry’s work continues to inspire performers, while Frank-N-Furter remains one of the most distinctive characters in musical and movie history.