Renowned British actor Tim Curry, famous for his portrayal of eccentric characters like the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” passed away at the age of 80. His close friend and manager, Marcia Hurwitz, initially stated that Curry died on Tuesday night at his Los Angeles residence, later correcting the day to Wednesday. The cause of his death has not been disclosed, although Curry had experienced a stroke in 2012 and used a wheelchair thereafter.
Curry rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead in the horror-comedy stage production “The Rocky Horror Show,” which he reprised in the 1975 film adaptation. He became known for portraying wicked and eccentric villains, such as Pennywise in the 1990 TV adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 movie “Annie.”
Apart from his distinctive humor and expressive facial expressions, Curry was also recognized for lending his voice to various animated children’s projects like “The Rugrats Movie” and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie.” His theatrical performances garnered three Tony nominations and an Emmy nod for his appearance on “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
Describing Curry’s versatile career, his PR manager, Sean Katz, highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition across genres, captivating audiences with his diverse range of roles over five decades. Katz emphasized Curry’s legacy of a curious mind and a kind heart that remained vibrant until his last moments.
Throughout his extensive career, Curry navigated between different genres, taking on roles in dramatic productions like “The Three Musketeers” and “The Hunt for Red October.” He also showcased his comedic talent in films such as “Clue,” “Home Alone 2,” and “Muppet Treasure Island.”
Following Curry’s passing, colleagues and admirers paid tribute to the late actor. Co-star Carol Burnett reminisced about their time on “Annie,” praising Curry’s exceptional talent in portraying lovable villains. Actor Rob Schneider expressed his sorrow on social media, highlighting Curry’s unparalleled stage presence. Additionally, The Rocky Horror Show’s official Instagram page honored Curry as the original Dr. Frank-N-Furter, acknowledging his iconic contribution to the role.