Laverne Cox: 'Rocky Horror is the hardest thing I've done'

Laverne Cox’s role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of the "hardest things" she’s done.

The actress stars as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the upcoming TV movie, which is based on the 1975 musical horror film and the original 1973 stage musical of the same name.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Thursday night (13Oct16), Laverne admitted that taking on such an iconic character was no easy feat.

“I have to say it’s the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my life,” she said. “I’ve never felt that much pressure because Tim Curry, who originated this role, is so incredible, but it was one of the most rewarding experiences.”

Laverne added that the TV show, which is directed by Kenny Ortega, is very faithful to the original movie film script penned by Richard O’Brien and Jim Sharman. Though she reveals that fans should expect to see costumes and sets which are more lavish than those in the original film.

“What’s so wonderful about our version is that we have a bigger budget than they did forty years ago, so we get to really realize Richard O’Brien’s vision, of this tribute to ‘50s rock’n’roll and B horror,” explained Laverne. “It is opulent and fantastic.”

In the interview with host Jimmy, Laverne shared a little about her life and revealed that she doesn’t drive despite living in Los Angeles. The Orange Is the New Black star said that she hit a fig tree during her first driving lesson and hasn’t been behind the wheel of a car since.

“I’m from New York City, I don’t drive,” she smiled. “I’ve never had a driver’s license. I Uber pretty much everywhere I go. I love my Uber!”

The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again, which also stars Victoria Justice and Adam Lambert, will premiere on the Fox network on 20 October (16).