Tim Curry, the distinctive British actor recognized for his portrayal of eccentric characters like 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 he passed away on Wednesday but later clarified that it was Tuesday night. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Curry had suffered a stroke in 2012 and had been using a wheelchair since then.
He rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead in the horror-comedy stage production “The Rocky Horror Show,” later reprising his role in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Known for his portrayals of wicked and eccentric villains, Curry also famously played Pennywise the clown in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
Apart from his iconic roles in film and theater, Curry lent his voice to various animated children’s productions, such as “The Rugrats Movie” (1998) and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002). His versatility was further showcased through his Tony-nominated stage performances in productions like “Spamalot” and “My Favourite Year,” as well as his Emmy-nominated appearance on “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
Described as a genre-defying talent, Curry’s public relations manager, Sean Katz, highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres throughout his five-decade career. Katz emphasized Curry’s legacy of embracing diverse roles and captivating audiences with his dynamic personas, underpinned by his inquisitive mind and compassionate nature.
In response to Curry’s passing, tributes flooded in from colleagues and admirers. Carol Burnett, his co-star in “Annie,” remembered him fondly on Instagram, lauding his exceptional talent at portraying lovable villains. Rob Schneider, who acted alongside Curry in “Home Alone 2,” expressed his sorrow over the loss of a gifted performer, praising Curry’s remarkable abilities.
The official Instagram page of “The Rocky Horror Show” also paid homage to Curry, acknowledging his unparalleled contribution to bringing Dr. Frank-N-Furter to life and creating an enduring cultural icon. Fans and peers alike mourned the loss of a true original and celebrated Curry’s lasting impact on the entertainment industry.