The Rocky Horror Show creator denied then given residency in New Zealand
Richard O’Brien, 68, the author and composer of the cross ressing cult classic The Rocky Horror Show (and its midnight movie incarnation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show) applied for residency in New Zealand. His application was originally denied because
New Zealand immigration officials said he did not meet the criteria, which include being age 55 or under and having a job offer. After the decision prompted protests, New Zealand authorities have reversed the decision. Richard O'Brien wants to retire to the coastal town of Katikati.
Known to legions of obsessed fans for writing, directing, and playing hunchbacked butler Riff Raff in the legendary cult movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show, British born Richard O'Brien grew up in New Zealand. His father, an accountant, decided to switch career paths and become a sheep farmer when O'Brien was just nine, possibly planting in the young tyke the idea to make a movie about square people shaking off the strictures of modern life.
He became interested in science fiction movies and rock & roll at a young age, and in 1964, he moved back to England to pursue a singing and acting career. Working in the theater, he met director Jim Sharman while appearing in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar. He would come to work with Sharman on his own musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which opened on stage in 1973. By 1975, O'Brien was adapting the play for the screen, unknowingly creating a massive cultural phenomenon.
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artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com
09-08-10
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