Renowned British actor Tim Curry, 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. His death was confirmed by his longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, at his Los Angeles residence on Tuesday night. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed, although Curry had been using a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2012.
Curry rose to fame in the 1970s with his role in the horror-comedy stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” later reprising the character in the 1975 film adaptation. Known for his villainous roles, he portrayed Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 movie “Annie.”
Apart from his on-screen performances, Curry lent his voice to various animated children’s productions, including “The Rugrats Movie,” “The Pebble and the Penguin,” “Rugrats in Paris,” and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie.” He received three Tony nominations for his stage work and an Emmy nomination for his appearance on the horror series “Tales from the Crypt.”
Described as a versatile actor who effortlessly navigated different genres, Curry’s career spanned five decades, with notable roles in films such as “The Three Musketeers,” “The Hunt for Red October,” and “Clue.” His diverse character portrayals ranged from comedic roles like Mr. Hector in “Home Alone 2” to dramatic performances in TV movies like “Oliver Twist” and series like “Wiseguy.”
Following his passing, tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers, with Carol Burnett, Curry’s co-star in “Annie,” remembering him as a dear friend and a talented actor. Rob Schneider also expressed his sorrow, praising Curry’s exceptional talent and unique presence on stage and screen.
Tim Curry’s legacy as a versatile and beloved actor was acknowledged by The Rocky Horror Show, paying tribute to his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and recognizing his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.