Tim Curry, the distinctive British actor recognized for his portrayal of eccentric characters like the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at the age of 80.
His close friend and manager, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed that Curry passed away at his Los Angeles residence on Tuesday night, initially stating it was Wednesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Following a stroke in 2012, Curry had been reliant on a wheelchair.
Making his mark in the 1970s as the lead in the horror-comedy stage production “The Rocky Horror Show,” Curry later reprised his role for the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Known for his portrayals of sinister and eccentric villains, Curry played Pennywise the clown in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It.” Additionally, he starred as Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie,” alongside Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan.
Apart from his reputation for mischievous humor and expressive facial expressions, Curry was also cherished for his voice work in various animated children’s projects such as “The Rugrats Movie” (1998), “The Pebble and the Penguin” (1995), “Rugrats in Paris” (2000), and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002).
His stage performances garnered him three Tony nominations for “Spamalot,” “My Favourite Year,” and “Amadeus,” in addition to an Emmy nomination in 1994 for his role in the horror series “Tales from the Crypt.”
Describing Curry’s diverse career, his PR manager, Sean Katz, highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition across genres. Refusing to be confined by expectations, Curry entertained audiences for over five decades with his versatile personas in comedy, horror, drama, and music.
Throughout his extensive career spanning five decades, Curry effortlessly navigated between genres, occasionally venturing into dramatic roles in movies like “The Three Musketeers” (1993) and “The Hunt for Red October” (1990).
Curry also showcased his comedic prowess in roles such as Wadsworth in the 1985 film “Clue,” Bill Sikes in the 1982 TV movie “Oliver Twist,” and Winston Newquay in the 1989 TV series “Wiseguy.”
In response to his passing, tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers, with Burnett, his co-star from “Annie,” expressing her sadness on Instagram and praising Curry’s exceptional talent in portraying lovable villains.
Actor Rob Schneider also mourned Curry’s death, reminiscing about their collaboration in “Home Alone 2” and commending Curry’s unmatched stage presence. The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” paid tribute to Curry’s legacy and the iconic character he brought to life.
Tim Curry’s legacy is celebrated not just for his acting prowess but for his ability to captivate audiences across various genres, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.