Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
In his new memoir, The Rocky Horror Picture Show star reflects on his experience filming Legend alongside then–up-and-coming actor Tom Cruise.
Tim Curry didn’t mince words when discussing his experience working with Tom Cruise, his co-star in Ridley Scott’s 1985 fantasy epic Legend.
In the film, Curry portrayed the monstrous villain Darkness, a demon determined to shroud the world in eternal night. Cruise, then a rising Hollywood newcomer in his early twenties, played Jack — the young adventurer who must defeat him. At the time, Cruise had already gained attention for his breakout roles in Risky Business and All the Right Moves, both released in 1983.
In his new memoir Vagabond, the 79-year-old actor reflected on the making of Legend, revealing that he wasn’t particularly impressed by Cruise’s fame or acting ability.
“Before we met on set, I’d seen Risky Business and thought Tom was perfectly cast as the charming, naïve rebel,” Curry wrote. “When we eventually worked together, he was pleasant and easy to be around, but quite an unusual person — not someone I ever fully understood. We never clashed, but I can’t say I shared the general fascination with him.”
Curry admitted that unlike many others in Hollywood at the time, he wasn’t dazzled by Cruise’s star power. “In truth, I was slightly dreading it,” he confessed. “I’m not sure why. Maybe he picked up on my hesitation, which made things a bit awkward.”
Though Curry acknowledged Cruise’s commitment to his craft, he was puzzled by the younger actor’s intense methods. “He threw himself completely into the role — I believe he even asked to sleep on the snow-covered set to stay in character,” Curry recalled.
While Curry respected Cruise’s professionalism, he felt that the hype surrounding him was overblown, reflecting Hollywood’s fixation on appearance and celebrity. “In the story, his character loses everything, but he still looks incredible doing it,” he noted. “He had all the advantages of good looks and fame. Everyone wanted him — and I imagine that’s not a bad position to be in. Still, his talent never really floored me.”
The actor also described the grueling transformation process into the Lord of Darkness, which took around six hours each day. “It’s possible my senses were dulled under all that makeup and prosthetics,” he added.
Curry explained that he and Cruise didn’t spend much time together during production. “We barely interacted, really,” he wrote. “It wasn’t the kind of set where we’d gather and chat — Ridley didn’t create that kind of atmosphere. And by the time I finished removing my horns and hooves, I was fit for nothing but sleep.”
Ultimately, Curry described Cruise as “a kind and considerate co-worker,” though the two never developed a close bond.
Upon its release in April 1986, Legend underperformed at the box office and received mixed reviews. Critics praised Curry’s remarkable makeup and performance, as well as Ridley Scott’s stunning visuals, but Cruise’s portrayal divided audiences. Over time, however, the film earned cult status and became regarded as an overlooked gem of the fantasy genre.
