In a recent memoir, Tim Curry opened up about his experiences filming the 1985 fantasy movie Legend with Tom Cruise, offering insight into why he initially dreaded working alongside the then-rising star. Despite Cruise’s growing popularity, Curry admitted he was never particularly impressed by his co-star’s talent, even as he recognized Cruise’s professionalism and work ethic during the production.
In Legend, Curry portrayed the malevolent Lord of Darkness, while Cruise played Jack, a young hero determined to prevent eternal darkness from taking over the world. At the time, Cruise was gaining momentum from films like Risky Business and All the Right Moves, but Curry revealed that the actor’s fame did not influence his feelings about working with him.
I wasn’t desperately star-struck around him; in fact, I was kind of dreading it,
Curry wrote, suggesting that his apprehension may have created some tension on set.
Insights Into Their On-Set Dynamics and Professional Habits
Curry reflected on the differences in their approaches to acting, highlighting Cruise’s intense method acting style. He recounted how Cruise would go so far as to sleep on the cold, snowy set to better immerse himself in his character’s environment.
He was very into fully embodying his role,
Curry said, noting Cruise’s dedication to his craft.
Despite their mutual respect, interactions between the two actors were limited, partly due to Curry’s extensive prosthetics, which took around six hours to apply each day and made socializing challenging. Curry admitted they did not spend much time together outside of scenes, writing,
We didn’t engage much; this wasn’t the type of film for chatting,
but by the end of their work, Curry recognized Cruise as a considerate and thoughtful colleague. Although Legend was not a box office success initially, it later attained cult status for its imaginative visuals and fantasy storytelling.
Curry’s Reflections on Hollywood and the Nature of Fame
Expanding beyond his experience with Cruise on Legend, Curry used his memoir to explore his broader views on Hollywood and the challenges of celebrity life. He described the industry’s focus on appearance and fame as excessive and ultimately unfulfilling, calling stardom a fairly worthless pursuit. Through his personal narrative, Curry shared memories of his early days in Los Angeles, moments of loneliness, and his path toward emotional recovery after significant loss.
Today, Tim Curry remains a cherished figure in popular culture, celebrated for his iconic roles and sharp insight into the entertainment world. His frank discussion of working alongside Tom Cruise offers readers a rare perspective on how two distinct actors approached their roles in one of the 1980s’ most visually striking films, providing a candid glimpse at the realities behind the glamour of Hollywood fame.
