After portraying the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter both onstage and in the 1975 film ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ Tim Curry did not revisit the role that catapulted him to fame. Despite numerous ‘Rocky Horror’ revivals, he never returned to the fishnets. Curry, who passed away Tuesday at 80 in Los Angeles, preferred exploring new characters. ‘I’ve always moved on,’ Curry shared last year at the Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip, where he received acclaim in 1974 after debuting the role in London. ‘I didn’t want to emerge from the same box every time.’

During last year’s 50th anniversary of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ he met at the Roxy—a venue he fondly called ‘another home.’ The original stage show became a local sensation, and he maintained pride and deep affection for his part in the film. It holds the record as the longest-running theatrical release in film history. A stroke in 2012 interrupted his active acting career, but he maintained his sense of humor and recalled his iconic entrance at the Roxy, a memorable march down the catwalk in heels and a Dracula cape. The film’s unexpected longevity as a midnight movie, where fans emulate it through shadow casts, amazed everyone involved. Dr. Frank-N-Furter invited fans to express their individuality, boldly pushing mainstream culture. ‘It was part of the sexual revolution,’ Curry remarked, ‘Experiment was in the air, and it was palpable. I’m proud I gave them the freedom to be themselves.’

Curry also cherished other roles showcasing his talent. In the 1982 film ‘Annie,’ he portrayed Rooster Hannigan with playful malevolence, dancing alongside Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters to ‘Easy Street.’ He stole the spotlight again in 1996’s ‘Muppet Treasure Island’ as Long John Silver—a complex, greedy, yet human pirate. ‘I love the Muppets,’ he mentioned. ‘The Muppeteers only communicated as characters, which fascinated me.’

With roles like Cardinal Richelieu in the 1993 adaptation of ‘The Three Musketeers,’ Curry stood out even amidst actors like Charlie Sheen and Kiefer Sutherland. He relished the villainous lines. In Ridley Scott’s 1985 fantasy ‘Legend,’ he played the demonic Lord of Darkness with theatrical flair. In the classic mystery ‘Clue’ as Wadsworth the Butler and ‘Home Alone 2’ as a concierge, he alternated roles between menace and comedy.

‘Rocky Horror’ sparked his film career and introduced a music side endeavor with his 1979 radio hit ‘I Do the Rock.’ Reflecting on his start with ‘Hair’ in London, he wasn’t sure whether he preferred singing or acting. Ultimately, he chose acting, taking it seriously, even joining the Royal Shakespeare Company. Although his roles were more unpredictable than expected, his dedication and zest never waned. Tim Curry always mesmerized audiences, proving you could never be bored while watching him perform.