Tim Curry, the unconventional British actor famous for portraying eccentric characters such as the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at the age of 80. His death was confirmed by his longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, who initially stated that Curry passed away on Tuesday night at his Los Angeles residence. The exact cause of his death has not been revealed. 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 stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” later reprising his role in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Known for his portrayal of wicked and eccentric villains, he also played Pennywise in the 1990 TV series “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 movie “Annie.”
Apart from his comedic talent and expressive facial expressions, Curry was also celebrated for lending his voice to various animated children’s productions like “The Rugrats Movie” (1998) and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002). His stage performances earned him three Tony nominations and an Emmy nomination for his appearance on “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
In a statement released by Curry’s PR manager, Sean Katz, it was highlighted that Curry’s strength lay in his versatility across different genres. Throughout his career spanning five decades, he seamlessly transitioned between comedy, horror, drama, and music, captivating audiences with his diverse characters.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers following his passing. Carol Burnett, his co-star from “Annie,” paid homage to him on Instagram, describing him as a dear friend with unmatched talents in portraying lovable villains. Actor Rob Schneider expressed his sorrow on Twitter, praising Curry’s exceptional talent and impact on those around him. 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 talented actor will continue to be cherished by fans and the entertainment industry alike.
