Tim Curry, the distinctive British actor famous 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.
According to his long-time manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, Curry died at his Los Angeles residence on Tuesday evening, initially reported as Wednesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Curry had experienced a stroke in 2012 and had been using a wheelchair since then.
Curry rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead in the horror-comedy stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” later reprising his role for the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Known for his portrayal of sinister and eccentric villains, Curry also played roles like Pennywise the clown in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
In addition to his comedic talent and expressive facial expressions, Curry endeared himself to audiences through his voice work in animated children’s productions such as “The Rugrats Movie” (1998) and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002).
His stage performances earned him three Tony nominations and an Emmy nod for his appearance on the horror series “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
In a statement to CBC News, Curry’s PR manager, Sean Katz, highlighted the actor’s versatility across genres, noting his ability to seamlessly transition between comedy, horror, drama, and music, captivating fans with his diverse characters.
Throughout his five-decade career, Curry showcased his versatility by taking on dramatic roles in films like “The Three Musketeers” (1993) and “The Hunt for Red October” (1990) alongside his comedic performances in works such as “Clue” (1985) and “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996).
Following Curry’s passing, tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers, with Carol Burnett, his co-star in “Annie,” praising his talent and versatility. Fellow actor Rob Schneider also expressed his grief, recalling Curry’s exceptional stage and screen presence.
The official Instagram page of “The Rocky Horror Show” paid tribute to Curry, recognizing him as the original embodiment of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and an iconic figure in entertainment history.