Tim Curry, the distinctive British actor renowned for his portrayal of 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 long-time manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, at his Los Angeles residence on Tuesday evening. Initially, it was reported that he passed away on Wednesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. 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” and later reprised his role in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” He became known for his portrayals of wicked and eccentric villains, such as Pennywise the clown in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
Apart from his comedic talents and expressive facial expressions, Curry was also recognized for his voice work in various animated children’s productions like “The Rugrats Movie” (1998) and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002). His theatrical performances earned him three Tony nominations and an Emmy nod for his role in the horror series “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
In a statement released by Curry’s PR manager, Sean Katz, it was highlighted that Curry’s versatility allowed him to seamlessly switch between different genres throughout his career. He was celebrated for his diverse roles in comedy, horror, drama, and music, captivating audiences with his dynamic characters.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and admirers following Curry’s passing. Co-star Carol Burnett shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, remembering Curry as a dear friend and praising his exceptional talent in portraying lovable villains. Actor Rob Schneider also expressed his grief over losing his co-star from “Home Alone 2,” acknowledging Curry’s unparalleled stage and screen presence.
The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” paid homage to Curry, recognizing him as a true original talent who immortalized the character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Curry’s legacy as an icon in the entertainment industry lives on, with many expressing gratitude for his contributions to film and theatre.