Tim Curry’s unexpected revelation about Tom Cruise while filming ‘Legend’

Tim Curry Reflects on Tom Cruise and Their Time on “Legend”

Tim Curry recently opened up about his experiences with Tom Cruise, his co-star in Ridley Scott’s 1985 fantasy film, “Legend.” In this movie, Curry portrays Darkness, the antagonist intent on shrouding the realm in darkness, while Cruise plays Jack, a young hero on a mission to stop him. At the time, Cruise was in his early 20s and had just started rising to fame after his breakout roles in “Risky Business” and “All the Right Moves.”

In his memoir, “Vagabond,” Curry, now 79, shared his thoughts on filming “Legend,” expressing a certain indifference to Cruise’s star power. He stated, somewhat bluntly, that he was “never once blown away by his talent.” Curry noted, “Before we met on set, I’d seen ‘Risky Business,’ and Tom was just perfect for the role of a sweet, innocent young rebel. He was charming and we had a great time, but he was also kind of different in ways I didn’t quite understand. There was nothing wrong, but I didn’t really find him appealing,” reflecting more of a curiosity than outright admiration.

Curry admitted that he didn’t often feel star-struck by Cruise’s celebrity. In fact, he described feeling intimidated instead. “Maybe he sensed my unease and it made things a bit awkward,” he added. Although he acknowledged Cruise’s commitment to his craft—recalling how the actor once chose to sleep on set in the snow to really embrace his role—Curry couldn’t help but feel a bit confused by some of his co-star’s quirks.

Despite his mixed feelings, Curry commended Cruise’s professionalism, while also noting that the hype surrounding him seemed excessive. “He looks great, but in the film, he loses his powers. That contrast is a bit telling,” Curry observed. He continued, “People everywhere want to like him, and that’s probably a nice feeling, but I was never surprised by his talent.”

The transformation into his demonic character was no small feat for Curry, who noted that his makeup process took roughly six hours daily. He candidly mentioned feeling numb due to the extensive prosthetics he wore for his role.

Interestingly, Curry noted that he and Cruise didn’t have much opportunity to interact during filming. “It wasn’t really the type of movie where the cast would sit around and chat,” he explained. “With everything I had going on with my makeup, it limited my outings and socializing. By the end of each day, I was too spent to consider going out for drinks.” Yet, he concluded, “While we didn’t get to know each other well, I found him to be a thoughtful and caring colleague, and I appreciated that.”

“Legend” itself, released in April 1986, didn’t fare well at the box office and received a mix of critical reviews. However, over the years, it has developed a cult following, with fans regarding it as an underrated piece of fantasy cinema.

In “Vagabond,” Curry shares his unique take on the experience of fame and Hollywood. Reflecting on his life, he describes himself as a “tramp,” humorously noting that, as an actor, he feels like a “career fraudster.” He emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and fame, suggesting that these pursuits are ultimately empty.

Moreover, Curry shared anecdotes from his early days in Hollywood, recalling the vibrant yet tumultuous environment. Life in L.A. became a mix of excitement and disillusionment for him, especially after the loss of his sister, Judy, which left him feeling unmoored.

Despite his struggles, he found solace in Los Angeles, which became a kind of refuge for him, particularly after he experienced a stroke in 2012. Curry reflects on how his time in the city has shaped him, with his homes there serving as various sanctuaries in his life journey.