Tim Curry, the distinctive British performer recognized for his portrayal of unconventional characters such as 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 Curry’s death at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, correcting an earlier statement that mentioned Wednesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Curry had been using a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2012.
Rising to fame in the 1970s with his role in the horror-comedy stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” Curry later reprised the character in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Known for his portrayal of sinister and eccentric villains, Curry also took on the role of Pennywise the clown in the 1990 TV miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It.” Additionally, he starred as Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 movie “Annie,” the brother of the character Miss Hannigan.
In addition to his comedic talents and expressive facial expressions, Curry was cherished for his voice work in various animated children’s projects, including “The Rugrats Movie” (1998) and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002).
Curry’s stage performances earned him three Tony nominations for shows like “Spamalot” and “My Favourite Year,” as well as an Emmy nomination for his appearance on the series “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
Described as a genre-defying actor by his PR manager, Sean Katz, Curry was celebrated for his versatility across comedy, horror, drama, and music genres throughout his career. Katz highlighted Curry’s open-mindedness and kind-hearted nature as his enduring legacies.
Over his five-decade career, Curry seamlessly transitioned between genres, taking on dramatic roles in films like “The Three Musketeers” (1993) and “The Hunt for Red October” (1990), alongside comedic parts such as Mr. Hector in “Home Alone 2” (1992) and Herkermer Homolka in “Congo” (1995).
His passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and admirers, with co-star Carol Burnett remembering him as a dear friend and praising his talent for portraying lovable villains. Fellow actor Rob Schneider expressed his devastation over Curry’s death, emphasizing his unparalleled stage and screen presence.
The official Instagram account of “The Rocky Horror Show” paid homage to Curry as a unique talent and the original performer of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, expressing gratitude for his iconic contribution to the character.
Tim Curry leaves behind a lasting legacy as a versatile and beloved actor who brought a diverse range of characters to life on stage and screen.