Tim Curry, the distinctive British performer 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 long-time 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, who had a stroke in 2012 and had been using a wheelchair, died at his residence in Los Angeles.
Rising to fame in the 1970s with his role in the horror-comedy stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” Curry went on to reprise the character in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Known for portraying wicked and eccentric villains, he also played Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 movie “Annie.”
In addition to his reputation for mischievous humor and expressive facial expressions, Curry was cherished for his voice work in various animated children’s productions, including “The Rugrats Movie” (1998), “The Pebble and the Penguin” (1995), “Rugrats in Paris” (2000), and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002). His stage performances garnered three Tony nominations, and he received an Emmy nomination in 1994 for his role in the horror series “Tales from the Crypt.”
Described as a genre-defying talent, Curry was commended for his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres throughout his five-decade career. His publicist, Sean Katz, highlighted Curry’s versatility, noting how he captivated audiences across comedy, horror, drama, and music with his diverse personas. Katz emphasized Curry’s legacy of intellectual curiosity and kindness, which persisted until his last moments.
Various tributes poured in following Curry’s passing, with colleagues and admirers honoring his legacy. Among them, Carol Burnett, Curry’s co-star in “Annie,” paid tribute to him on social media, praising his exceptional talent in portraying lovable villains. Rob Schneider, who worked with Curry in “Home Alone 2,” expressed his grief over losing a gifted performer, lauding Curry’s unique abilities. The official Instagram page of The Rocky Horror Show also commemorated Curry, acknowledging his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and expressing gratitude for his contribution to the character.