Luke Evans: Tim Curry was 'struggling' before his death

Luke, 47 - who recently completed a seven-month run in The Rocky Horror Show on Broadway playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the role Curry originated – revealed the touching letter he sent Curry, not long before his death in August, thanking him for being an inspiration.

Evans told Entertainment Weekly: “He was very appreciative. I think he was very sick when he got the letter - he was struggling a lot - and I’ve spoken to his publisher since. He struggled to speak and talk, so I think he was really in a bad place, but what a legacy.

“What was very strange was the day that he did die, the news — of all the incredible things he did, and he did many incredible, iconic roles — it always started with the same person: Frank-N-Furter. And I had just played him, so there was this real deep connection that I had, even though I’d never met the man. It was a strange, beautiful, tragic way to end my New York experience, but I’ll never forget it.”

He wrote on Instagram after Curry’s death: "He was a force, a bright fierce flame, an exquisite charm and that rich vocal tone, he was an inspiration to me and so many more people for the roles he played and the effect he had on so many of us."

Luke said: "I just want 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."

Curry’s spokesperson confirmed to the BBC last month that the late Clue actor had died from coronary heart disease.

In addition to the heart condition, he also had a history of stroke and kidney cancer, which also significantly contributed to his death, according to the actor’s death certificate fled in Los Angeles.