Remembering Tim Curry

This section pays tribute to the late actor Tim Curry, who passed away at age 80. It recounts his iconic role as Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and discusses his extensive career including roles in Stephen King's It, Monty Python's Spamalot, and voice acting in animations. The conversation highlights Curry’s influence in entertainment, his distinctive voice, and his resilience following a stroke in 2012 which shifted his focus toward voice acting.

Tim Curry's interview from 2005 with Terry Gross reveals his journey into acting, his experiences with theatrical and film roles, and how he approached his craft. Curry discusses how he got into character, his admiration for Monty Python, and the significance of his role in Rocky Horror. The section also explores Curry’s views on gender performance, his childhood in England, and his transition from classical singing to acting, emphasizing his versatility and humor.

This portion reflects on Curry’s lasting impact on audiences, particularly through the participatory Midnight Screenings of Rocky Horror, which became a cultural phenomenon. Curry speaks about the phenomenon of fans, including young teenagers, imitating his character and questions what this says about the film’s influence on gender and sexuality exploration. It also recounts Curry’s personal experiences attending screenings and his interactions with fans, illustrating his role as both a performer and a cultural icon.

The episode transitions to discuss actress Ray Seahorn, star of the sci-fi series Pluribus, which earned her an Emmy nomination. Seahorn talks about her role as Carol, a character navigating complex questions of happiness, individualism, and human nature amid extraterrestrial events. The conversation covers how her character was originally written for a male, and how Vince Gilligan rewrote it for her after recognizing her talent. Seahorn shares insights into her approach to portraying nuanced emotions and complex themes of the series.

Seahorn recounts her experience on the set of Better Call Saul, particularly during a tense scene involving the character Bob Odenkirk’s real-life heart attack. She describes the scene, the actors' camaraderie, and the harrowing moment when Odenkirk collapsed. Seahorn provides a vivid account of the emergency response, their frantic efforts to revive Odenkirk, and his subsequent memory loss of the event, highlighting the real dangers of filmmaking and the strength of their friendship.