Tim Curry, the unique English actor renowned for his portrayal of eccentric characters such as the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at the age of 80.
His close friend and manager, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed that Curry died at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, initially stating Wednesday as the day of his passing. The cause of death has not been disclosed at this time. Curry had experienced a stroke in 2012 and had been using a wheelchair since then.
Curry rose to fame in the 1970s with his lead role in the horror-comedy musical “The Rocky Horror Show” on stage, later reprising the character in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Known for his portrayal of wicked and eccentric villains, Curry also starred as Pennywise the clown in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and as Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
In addition to his distinctive humor and expressive facial expressions, Curry was celebrated for his voice work in various animated children’s films like “The Rugrats Movie” (1998), “The Pebble and the Penguin” (1995), “Rugrats in Paris” (2000), and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002).
Throughout his career, Curry received three Tony nominations for his work in “Spamalot,” “My Favourite Year,” and “Amadeus,” as well as an Emmy nomination in 1994 for his appearance on the horror series “Tales from the Crypt.”
Describing Curry’s versatile career, his PR manager, Sean Katz, highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres, captivating audiences with his diverse roles spanning comedy, horror, drama, and music.
Tributes poured in following Curry’s passing, with his colleagues and admirers honoring his legacy. Co-star Carol Burnett shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, commending his talent for portraying lovable villains. Actor Rob Schneider expressed his sorrow over Curry’s death, praising his exceptional acting skills. The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” also paid tribute to Curry, recognizing him as the original embodiment of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
