50 Years Later, Here’s Where the Rocky Horror Picture Show Cast Is Today — From Tim Curry’s Inspiring Journey to the Star Who Never Acted Again
It’s been half a century since The Rocky Horror Picture Show first hit theaters, and somehow, it still feels as fresh, wild, and wonderfully strange as it did in 1975. What began as a low-budget film adaptation of a quirky British stage musical became one of the biggest cult classics in movie history — one that continues to draw crowds of fans dressed in corsets, fishnets, and glitter every Halloween. Fifty years later, the cast members who brought those unforgettable characters to life have taken very different paths, but their impact remains eternal.
At the center of it all is Tim Curry, whose electrifying portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter made cinematic history. His mix of danger, charm, and pure theatrical brilliance defined the film and helped it endure for generations. Curry continued to shine in Hollywood after Rocky Horror, starring in Clue, Legend, and It, where he terrified audiences as Pennywise the Clown. In 2012, Curry suffered a major stroke that affected his mobility, but his spirit never wavered. Now 78, he continues to make occasional appearances and participate in fan conventions, where he’s celebrated as both a legend and a survivor. His warmth and humor remain as sharp as ever — proof that true showmen never fade.
Susan Sarandon, who played Janet Weiss, went on to become one of Hollywood’s most respected actresses. Her breakout in The Rocky Horror Picture Show was just the beginning of a career that earned her an Academy Award for Dead Man Walking and multiple nominations for iconic roles in films like Thelma & Louise and Bull Durham. Looking back, she has spoken fondly of her time on the Rocky Horror set, calling it a wild, freeing experience that helped her find her artistic confidence.
Barry Bostwick, who portrayed the straight-laced Brad Majors, continued acting on both stage and screen. He appeared in Spin City, Cougar Town, and numerous films while also becoming a fan favorite at Rocky Horror conventions. Now in his late seventies, Bostwick still embraces his role in the movie with pride, often joking about how Brad became an unlikely symbol of innocence in one of cinema’s most rebellious films.
Meat Loaf, who played the unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll rebel Eddie, used the film as a springboard for his legendary music career. His 1977 album Bat Out of Hell remains one of the best-selling records of all time. He continued performing and acting for decades until his passing in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of powerful performances and fearless creativity that mirrored the spirit of Rocky Horror itself.
Patricia Quinn, who played Magenta, and Little Nell Campbell, who portrayed Columbia, both continued performing after the film, though neither ever quite replicated its success. Quinn appeared in I, Claudius and several British productions, while Campbell found success as a nightclub owner and performer in New York’s art scene. Their distinct personalities and unforgettable energy remain beloved by fans who still reenact their characters every year.
And then there’s Peter Hinwood, who played Rocky himself — the golden-haired creation of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. After Rocky Horror, Hinwood decided acting wasn’t for him. He left Hollywood entirely, moving into a quiet life as an antiques dealer in London. In interviews, he’s admitted he’s proud of his small but iconic place in film history but prefers the peace of a life far removed from the spotlight.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show has lasted not just because of its music or its madness, but because it gave people permission to be themselves — loud, proud, and unapologetically different. Its cast helped create something bigger than a movie; they created a movement. Fifty years later, as audiences still shout back lines and dance to “The Time Warp,” the legacy of its stars endures — as bold and timeless as ever.
