Rocky Horror Stars Reveal Shockingly Low Paychecks for Cult Classic
While The Rocky Horror Picture Show holds iconic status as a cult classic today, it's surprising to learn that half a century ago, during its initial production, its principal actors received far less compensation than one might imagine.
The 1975 musical horror movie featured Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick in the roles of the naive Janet Weiss and Brad Majors; however, Sarandon, now 78, earned a larger sum than her male counterpart.
“Susan earned more than you did!” Bostwick, aged 80, revealed in a segment from the documentary SANE INSIDE INSANITY, which People shared on Friday, September 26. “Susan received an additional $5,000 compared to my earnings. I believe I was paid $15,000 and she took home $20,000 for the entire production … and that was largely the extent of our financial gain from it.”
The performer further noted, “We did receive a small portion from the soundtrack. We used to get around $1,000 annually, though it's even less these days.”
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Bostwick wasn't the sole luminary from the glam-rock feature to comment on the surprisingly modest remuneration the ensemble received. Patricia Quinn, known for her role as Magenta, similarly featured in the documentary, conveying appreciation for the chance to participate, regardless of the meager earnings.
“However, we were fortunate just to be part of its creation! Who was concerned about the money! I believe we earned $300 per week, though my memory of the exact figure is hazy,” Quinn, 81, recounted.
Annabel Leventon, who depicted a Transylvanian character in the movie, concurred, stating, “Our pay was undeniably minimal. We were all aware it was a production with limited funds.”
In a similar vein, her colleague Transylvanian actor Lindsay Ingram mentioned, “I received £100 weekly for my work on the Rocky Horror film.”
The cast of Rocky Horror also included Tim Curry in the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Richard O’Brien as Riff Raff, Little Nell as Columbia, Jonathan Adams as Dr. Everett V. Scott, Peter Hinwood as Rocky Horror, Meat Loaf as Eddie, and Charles Gray as the criminologist. As the flamboyant film marks its 50th anniversary since its theatrical debut, the actors evidently possess a wealth of anecdotes from filming and its challenging start at the box office.
During a previous conversation with Bobbie Wygant, which re-emerged on Facebook in 2024, Curry, 79, was questioned about whether he had “amassed significant wealth” from the movie in the decades following its premiere.
“Absolutely not, I only wish,” he openly replied. “I held a rather minuscule share of the producers’ earnings, which, in essence, would likely assist with part of my mortgage payments, I imagine. It definitively didn’t afford me a private jet, but I am thankful for minor advantages. It was my inaugural film, and I felt fortunate to have any share whatsoever.”
Despite Rocky Horror's modest financial backing, its cultural influence proved immensely powerful.
“A film of that nature would never have secured a substantial budget, as it was perceived as utterly mad,” casting director Celestia Fox remarked in the documentary. “The studio likely considered, ‘The sole justification for undertaking this is if it incurs no cost whatsoever,’ with the slim possibility of generating some profit.”
Nonetheless, she noted that the salaries disbursed to the cast members were reflective of the prevailing standards of that era.
“That was entirely the standard compensation at the time,” Fox continued. “It merely transpired that [producer] Lou Adler and [20th Century] Fox, along with everyone else involved, ultimately amassed millions upon millions.”
Previously this year, Sarandon commented on her meager earnings in the documentary Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, detailing its effect on her housing situation in London.
“It was a production with extremely limited funds. Upon my arrival in London, I lacked stable accommodation and found myself relocating every two or three days,” she explained. “I would gather my birth control medication and my toothbrush, then proceed to a different flat every few days.”
