Sal Piro, ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ Cult Pioneer, Dies at 71

Piro’s book “Creatures of the Night” is in the early stages of a film adaptation

Sal Piro speaks onstage during The Rocky Horror Picture Show 35th anniversary to benefit The Painted Turtle at The Wiltern on October 28, 2010 in Los Angeles, California.
(EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) onstage during The Rocky Horror Picture Show 35th anniversary to benefit The Painted Turtle at The Wiltern on October 28, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Getty Images)

Sal Piro, who stoked audience participation routines for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and extended its popularity as a cult classic, died at his home in New York City on Jan 21. He was 71.

The Rocky Horror fanclub Twitter account posted a statement announcing Piro’s death Sunday.

“With profound sorrow we pass on the news that Sal Piro, founder and long time president of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Fan Club, has passed away,” the statement reads. “Sal was the defacto face of Rocky Horror fandom for decades. He will be sorely missed.”

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