Welsh actor Luke Evans has shared a touching letter he sent to Tim Curry weeks before his death. Legendary actor Curry passed away aged 80 on Tuesday (August 25) at his home in Los Angeles.
The Warrington-born actor was renowned for his legendary portrayal of Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Curry's interpretation of Dr Frank-N-Furter endures as one of cinema's most iconic cult performances, while countless horror enthusiasts recall his terrifying portrayal of Pennywise in IT.
Broadway revival tribute
Evans played Dr Frank-N-Furter in the 2026 Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show. It marks the Pontypool-born actor's Broadway debut, which has earned him a Tony Award nomination.
On Wednesday evening Evans shared an emotional post on his Instagram page @thereallukeevans in tribute to Curry. In it he revealed a letter he says he sent to Curry just three weeks before his death.
The letter
The letter reads: "With only three weeks left before I finally hang up the fishnets and heels, I wanted to send you a note. 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, and I've felt that every single night. Being compared to you has been one of the greatest compliments I've ever received, even though it's a comparison no one could ever hope to live up to.
"There is, and always will be, only one Tim Curry. I've never tried to recreate what you did. That would be impossible. I simply hoped to honour the extraordinary character you brought to life, while finding my own way through him.
"As this chapter comes to an end, I just wanted to say thank you. For your fearless performance, for creating something so enduring and for inspiring generations of actors to be a little braver than they thought they could be.
"I hope, wherever you are, you'd approve of one more Frank having the time of his life in those heels. With enormous admiration, Luke x"
Final years
Curry experienced a severe stroke in 2012 which impacted his movement, though he persevered with voice acting work and made sporadic public appearances in subsequent years.
TMZ reported police attended Curry's address at 11.23pm on Tuesday, but no foul play was involved.
