Tim Curry, the distinctive British performer recognized for his portrayal of unconventional characters like the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at the age of 80. His longtime manager, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed that Curry passed away at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, correcting earlier reports of Wednesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Since suffering a stroke in 2012, Curry had been reliant on a wheelchair.
In the 1970s, Curry rose to fame 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.” He became renowned for his portrayals of sinister and eccentric villains, such as Pennywise in the 1990 TV series based on Stephen King’s “It,” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
Aside from his reputation for mischievous humor and expressive facial expressions, Curry was also cherished for his voice work in various animated children’s films, including “The Rugrats Movie” (1998), “The Pebble and the Penguin” (1995), “Rugrats in Paris” (2000), and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002).
His stage performances earned him three Tony nominations for “Spamalot,” “My Favourite Year,” and the titular role in “Amadeus,” as well as an Emmy nomination in 1994 for an appearance on the horror series “Tales from the Crypt.”
In an official statement released by Curry’s public relations manager, Sean Katz, it was highlighted that Curry’s versatility allowed him to seamlessly transition between various genres throughout his career. Katz noted that Curry’s enduring legacies were his inquisitive mind and compassionate heart, which continued to inspire until his final moments.
Throughout his illustrious five-decade career, Curry adeptly shifted between genres, embracing dramatic roles in films like “The Three Musketeers” (1993) and “The Hunt for Red October” (1990). He portrayed diverse characters such as Wadsworth in “Clue” (1985), Bill Sikes in the TV movie “Oliver Twist” (1982), and Winston Newquay in the TV series “Wiseguy” (1989).
Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans following the news of Curry’s passing. Co-star Carol Burnett paid homage to him on Instagram, praising his talent and describing him as a dear friend known for his portrayal of lovable villains. Actor Rob Schneider expressed his devastation at the loss of his co-star, highlighting Curry’s exceptional talent and unique presence on stage and screen.
The official Instagram page of “The Rocky Horror Show” also honored Curry’s memory, acknowledging his unparalleled talent and the iconic character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter that he brought to life. The post celebrated Curry’s legacy, emphasizing his transformation of a character into an enduring icon.