Tim Curry, the distinctive British performer renowned for portraying unconventional characters like 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 evening. Although initially reported as Wednesday, no specific cause of death has been disclosed. After experiencing a stroke in 2012, Curry had been reliant on a wheelchair.
Rising to fame in the 1970s through his lead role in the horror-comedy musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” Curry reprised his character in the 1975 film adaptation. He gained recognition for his portrayal of sinister and eccentric villains, such as Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries rendition of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 movie “Annie.”
Apart from his reputation for comedic flair and expressive facial expressions, Curry endeared himself to audiences through his voice work in various animated children’s productions like “The Rugrats Movie” (1998) and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002).
Accumulating three Tony nominations for his performances in “Spamalot,” “My Favourite Year,” and “Amadeus,” Curry also received an Emmy nomination for his appearance on “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
Describing Curry’s career as transcending genres, his PR manager, Sean Katz, highlighted his versatility and ability to seamlessly navigate between comedy, horror, drama, and music. Emphasizing Curry’s intellectual curiosity and compassionate nature, Katz celebrated the actor’s diverse personas that captivated fans throughout his five-decade career.
In remembrance of Curry, numerous tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers. Carol Burnett, his co-star in “Annie,” reminisced about their collaboration and praised Curry’s unmatched talent at portraying endearing villains. Actor Rob Schneider expressed his sorrow over Curry’s passing, acknowledging him as a gifted performer and a source of inspiration.
The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” paid homage to Curry’s legacy, acknowledging his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and honoring his contributions to the entertainment industry.