Skip to main content Skip to footer site map
ROCKY HORROR Superfan Sal Piro Dies at 71

ROCKY HORROR Superfan Sal Piro Dies at 71

Piro was the founder and president of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Fan Club until his passing.

BroadwayWorld is saddened to report that Sal Piro, a Rocky Horror Picture Show superfan who was integral in creating the film's cult fanbase, has died at 71.

Piro helped create the film's audience participation routines that are still used during screenings of the movie musical. He was the founder and president of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Fan Club until his passing.

Deadline shares that Piro's experiences with the film are detailed in his memoir, Creatures of the Night, which is currently being adapted into a film.

During early midnight screenings, Piro would shout humorous responses to the film's dialogue. As the responses became more common and elaborate, Piro helped create a floor show that would feature fans acting out the film underneath the screen while the film is playing.

Piro also had a small role in the Rocky Horror sequel, Shock Treatment, and played himself in an episode of Fame in 1980.

Some Like It Hot and Hairspray writer Marc Shaiman posted a tribute to Piro on Instagram, describing attending early midnight screenings of the film at the Waverly Theater in New York City with Piro and their friend Dori Hartley, who was credited as being the first person to dress up in costume at a screening, arriving as Frank N Furter.

"We didn't know what we were giving birth to, we were just having a great time and being creative in the most freeing way. Writing the perfect lines to go in-between the film's dialogue, creating props, just having FUN, it was a total joyfest," Shaiman wrote in a touching Instagram tribute.



Related Stories
Stage and TV Star Paul OGrady Dies Aged 67 Photo
Stage star, presenter and comedian Paul O'Grady has died at the age of 67. He died 'unexpectedly but peacefully' on Tuesday evening, his husband Andre Portasio said in a statement. 

Nicholas Lloyd Webber, Andrew Lloyd Webbers Son, Has Passed Away Photo
Webber missed the Bad Cinderella opening on Thursday, March 23rd to be with his son, who passed away from stomach cancer after entering hospice care on Thursday.

Broadway Music Director Jim Vukovich Has Passed Away Photo
Musician, recording artist, conductor, arranger, composer and musical director Jim Vukovich has passed away.

Chaim Topol, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF Actor, Dies Aged 87 Photo
Chaim Topol, the Israeli actor and singer best known for his performance as Tevye the Milkman in Fiddler on the Roof, has died at the age of 87.


From This Author - Michael Major


Dizzy Shares New Single 'Open Up Wide' & Announces Third Album 'DIZZY'Dizzy Shares New Single 'Open Up Wide' & Announces Third Album 'DIZZY'
March 29, 2023

Dizzy shares their new single “Open Up Wide”. A perfect synthesis of airy pop vocals and grittier instrumentals, “Open Up Wide” explores the vulnerability of sharing fresh art with a jaded audience. Along with the new single, Dizzy also announces the release of their third LP: the self-titled DIZZY,

Kerry Charles Shares New Single 'Empress Of The Crystal Moon' Ahead of Debut LPKerry Charles Shares New Single 'Empress Of The Crystal Moon' Ahead of Debut LP
March 29, 2023

Drawing influence from the likes of Prince, Hall and Oates and Steely Dan, Charles's obsessively produced tracks land somewhere between laid-back synth pop, smooth dad rock and seductive R&B. The New Jersey-based songwriter and producer pairs his intimate falsetto with a lush palette of synthesizers and the inimitable sax stylings of Max Cudworth.

Photos: Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler & More Attend MURDER MYSTERY 2 PremierePhotos: Jennifer Aniston, Adam Sandler & More Attend MURDER MYSTERY 2 Premiere
March 29, 2023

Check out photos from the premiere of Murder Mystery 2, including shots of Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, actors Mark Strong, Mélanie Laurent, Jodie Turner-Smith, Dr, John Kani, Kuhoo Verma, Enrique Arce, Zurin Villanueva, Jillian Bell, Annie Mumolo, and more.

Video: Ghost Hounds Release Music Video For New Single 'Dirty Angel'Video: Ghost Hounds Release Music Video For New Single 'Dirty Angel'
March 29, 2023

Is it hot in here, or is it just the new music video from Ghost Hounds? The blues-rock group has released a tantalizing video for their recent single “Dirty Angel,” out now. “Dirty Angel” is the first single off the band’s upcoming album, giving listeners an exciting look at what they can expect from the new record.

Kylie Minogue to Release New Single With Oliver HeldensKylie Minogue to Release New Single With Oliver Heldens
March 29, 2023

Kylie Minogue has sold over 80 million records, garnered 34 top ten and 7 number one singles. Her music career took off with the hit 'The Loco-Motion' which topped the charts in 1987, and became the highest selling single of the decade in Australia.