Christina Applegate had no way of knowing it would be the last time.
But after the death of Tim Curry at 80, one seemingly ordinary moment between the two stars has taken on an entirely different meaning.
Applegate, 54, paid tribute to the legendary Rocky Horror Picture Show and Clue actor after news of his death broke.
And instead of simply remembering his movies, she shared something much more personal.
Applegate had admired Curry for decades. She has spoken about growing up with his poster on her wall and later having the opportunity to spend time with the man she once knew only as one of her idols.
The last time she saw him was at a special Rocky Horror screening.
When they met that night, Applegate gave Curry a huge hug.
At the time, it was simply an emotional moment between two people who had known each other over the years.
But something about it stayed with her.
After Curry’s death, Applegate admitted that the embrace now feels different.
“It felt like a goodbye,” she wrote while remembering their final meeting.
Those few words made the memory especially poignant.
Curry had endured serious health challenges since suffering a debilitating stroke in 2012. Despite using a wheelchair and limiting his appearances, he continued connecting with fans and celebrating the extraordinary career that made him one of Hollywood’s most distinctive performers.
For Applegate, his influence went far beyond a single character.
She considered him one of her idols and is also among the stars participating in an upcoming documentary about his life and career.
Now, however, it’s that final hug she is remembering.
There was no dramatic farewell and no way for Applegate to know what was ahead.
Just an embrace with someone who had meant something to her for most of her life.
Only afterward did she understand why that moment had felt so different.
Sometimes the smallest goodbye becomes the one you remember forever.