Tim Curry, the eccentric British actor famous for his portrayal of unique characters such as the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at the age of 80. His long-time manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed Curry’s death at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, correcting an earlier statement that cited Wednesday as the date. The cause of his death has not been revealed at this time. Curry had been using a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2012.
Curry rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead in the horror-comedy musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” a role he reprised in the 1975 film adaptation, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Known for his portrayals of sinister characters, he also played Pennywise the clown in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
In addition to his notable on-screen roles, Curry lent his voice to various animated children’s projects such as “The Rugrats Movie” (1998) and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002). His stage work earned him three Tony nominations and an Emmy nomination for his appearance on “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
Described as a genre-defying talent, Curry’s publicist, Sean Katz, highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres throughout his career. Katz emphasized Curry’s legacy of versatility and his unwavering creativity and kindness.
During his extensive five-decade career, Curry showcased his versatility by taking on diverse roles, including dramatic performances in films like “The Three Musketeers” (1993) and “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), as well as comedic parts in projects such as “Home Alone 2” (1992) and “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996).
In the wake of his passing, numerous tributes poured in from colleagues and fans. Co-star Carol Burnett paid homage to Curry on Instagram, remembering him as a dear friend with unmatched talent for portraying lovable villains. Actor and comedian Rob Schneider expressed his sorrow over Curry’s death, praising his exceptional acting skills and unique presence on stage and screen. The official Instagram page of “The Rocky Horror Show” also honored Curry, recognizing him as the original Dr. Frank-N-Furter and a true icon in the industry.