Richard O'Brien, born on March twenty-fifth, nineteen forty-two, is a multifaceted British and New Zealand artist renowned for his work as an actor, playwright, composer, and screenwriter. He is best known for creating the iconic musical stage show The Rocky Horror Show in nineteen seventy-three, a production that has captivated audiences worldwide and remains in continuous performance. O'Brien not only penned the original stage show but also co-wrote the screenplay for its film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, released in nineteen seventy-five, where he made a memorable appearance as the character Riff Raff.
In addition to his groundbreaking work in musical theater, O'Brien co-wrote the musical film Shock Treatment in nineteen eighty-one, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry. He portrayed Dr. Cosmo McKinley in the film, further solidifying his status as a talented performer. O'Brien's television career includes hosting the beloved Channel 4 game show The Crystal Maze from nineteen ninety to nineteen ninety-three, a role that endeared him to a generation of viewers.
O'Brien's voice acting talents shine through in his role as Lawrence Fletcher in the Disney Channel animated series Phineas and Ferb, which aired from two thousand eight to two thousand fifteen and is set to return in twenty twenty-five. His extensive filmography also features notable appearances in Flash Gordon, Spice World, Ever After, Dark City, Dungeons & Dragons, and Elvira's Haunted Hills, showcasing his diverse range as an actor.
After a successful career in the United Kingdom, O'Brien embraced dual citizenship with New Zealand in twenty eleven, choosing to reside in Tauranga. He identifies as transgender and embraces a third-gender identity, using he/him pronouns, which adds to the richness of his personal narrative and artistic expression.