[Editor’s Note: This article was posted before the writer knew of Tim Curry’s stroke. He is, however, still quite sharp and able to speak eloquently, so we are sure that he would do a fantastic job guest starring on Doctor Who.]

Tim Curry is someone whom I am somewhat surprised has not appeared on Doctor Who in any capacity over his decades-long career. He is best known for his roles as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Wadsworth in Clue. He has quite a cult following, and understandably so. The man is a powerhouse of panache.

In 1993, Curry was offered the role of the Eighth Doctor. Due to a combination of scheduling conflicts and being unsure of how to portray the character, however, he declined (see ‘Career’ under Paul McGann’s listing). He may have been excellent in the role, but his decision was probably for the best. He seems better suited for a role like The Master. I mean, seriously. Just look at him.

Tim Curry in The Worst Witch, credit: pophangover.com

Even if he guest stars as an entirely new character, there are practically endless inside jokes that could be made in reference to his role in Rocky Horror. For example, Dr. Frank-N-Furter (an alien scientist, specializing in biochemical research) had among his equipment sonic transducers and sonic oscillators. How convenient is that?

It would certainly be fun, in theory, for Curry to reprise the actual role, but there are several reasons why this would not work very well. Frank-N-Furter dies at the end of the movie, which was released in 1975, so it would not be easy to write a decent plot device to account for the age discrepancy. The character would not be appropriate for Doctor Who, anyway, considering that Frank-N-Furter was a sadistic, lingerie clad sex fiend. They are trying to keep it a “family” show, after all. Curry could, however, play a somewhat similar role as a tribute to his iconic character. There is no reason for him to not be flirty, though. Hey, it is always a good thing to have an excuse to bring back Jack and River.

What are your thoughts on Tim Curry appearing on Doctor Who? What sort of role would you like to see him play? Let us know in the comments.