Tim Curry, the distinctive British actor renowned 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 died at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, initially stating incorrectly that it was Wednesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed at this time. Curry had been using a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2012.
He rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead in the horror-comedy stage production “The Rocky Horror Show” and later reprised his role in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Known for his portrayal of wicked and eccentric villains, Curry also played Pennywise the clown in the 1990 TV miniseries “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie,” alongside Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan.
Apart from his reputation for mischievous humor and expressive acting, Curry was adored for his work as a voice actor in animated children’s movies such as “The Rugrats Movie” (1998), “The Pebble and the Penguin” (1995), “Rugrats in Paris” (2000), and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002). His exceptional talent was acknowledged with three Tony nominations for “Spamalot,” “My Favorite Year,” and “Amadeus,” as well as an Emmy nomination in 1994 for his appearance on “Tales from the Crypt.”
Describing Curry’s career as genre-defying, his PR manager, Sean Katz, highlighted the actor’s versatility in seamlessly transitioning between comedy, horror, drama, and music. Katz emphasized Curry’s legacy of an open mind and a kind heart that continued to inspire fans until his last moments.
Throughout his illustrious career spanning five decades, Curry navigated various genres, taking on diverse roles in movies like “The Three Musketeers” (1993), “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), and TV series such as “Wiseguy.” His comedic performances included memorable characters like Mr. Hector in “Home Alone 2” (1992), Herkermer Homolka in “Congo” (1995), and Long John Silver in “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996).
In response to his passing, numerous tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers. Carol Burnett paid homage to her “Annie” co-star on Instagram, praising his talent and describing him as a dear friend who excelled in portraying lovable villains. Actor Rob Schneider expressed his sorrow at the loss of Curry, acknowledging him as a gifted performer whose mere presence enhanced the craft of acting. The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” also honored Curry, recognizing him as the original creator of the iconic character Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Tim Curry’s legacy as a versatile and beloved actor has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, with his unique talent and memorable performances cherished by fans worldwide.