Luke Evans is paying tribute to Tim Curry by sharing an emotional letter he sent to the late “Clue” actor just weeks before his death at age 80.

Evans made his Broadway debut as cross-dressing mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Show,” for which he received a Tony Award nomination, earlier this year. Curry originated the role when the musical premiered in London in 1973, and later reprised it on the New York stage and in the 1975 film adaptation, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” co-starring Susan Sarandon.

Shortly after Curry’s death was announced Wednesday, Evans posted the text of his letter on Instagram, describing the actor as “a bright fierce flame” who was “an inspiration to me and so many more people.”

“Being compared to you has been one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received, even though it’s a comparison no one could ever hope to live up to,” the “Beauty and the Beast” and “Nine Perfect Strangers” actor wrote. “There is, and always will be, only one Tim Curry.”

After pointing out he “never tried to recreate what you did,” Evans added, “As this chapter comes to an end, I just wanted to say thank you. For your fearless performance, for creating something so enduring, and for inspiring generations of actors to be a little braver than they thought they could be.”

“I hope, wherever you are, you’d approve of one more Frank having the time of his life in those heels,” he concluded.

Curry, who also endeared himself to legions of audiences in films like “Annie,” “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” and the television miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It,” died Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

While a cause of death was not immediately confirmed, the actor had been outspoken about recent health issues, including a 2012 stroke that he said last year had left him unable to walk.

At a 50th anniversary screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” last year, Curry acknowledged his initial fears of being typecast after the film’s release.

Fortunately, he said that didn’t turn out to be the case, noting that the film’s legacy among members of the LGBTQ+ community “means a lot because I think the message of the film — don’t dream it, be it — is very important.”

“One of the things that the movie does, I think, is give anyone permission to behave as badly as they really want, in whatever way and with whom,” he said, according to The Hollywood Reporter. “And I’m proud of that.”

By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.