Renowned British actor Tim Curry, famous for his eccentric portrayals 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 long-time manager, Marcia Hurwitz, who initially stated he passed away on Wednesday but later clarified that it occurred on Tuesday night at his residence in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Curry, who suffered a stroke in 2012, had been using a wheelchair since then.
Curry gained fame in the 1970s as the leading actor in the horror-comedy stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” later reprising his role in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Known for his portrayal of wicked characters, he notably played Pennywise the clown in the 1990 mini-series adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
In addition to his mischievous humor and expressive facial expressions, Curry lent his voice to various animated children’s productions, including “The Rugrats Movie” (1998) and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002). He received three Tony nominations for his stage performances and an Emmy nod for his appearance on the TV series “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
Described as a versatile actor, Curry was praised for his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres throughout his five-decade career. His publicist, Sean Katz, highlighted Curry’s diverse talents and his ability to captivate audiences across comedy, horror, drama, and music.
Tributes poured in following Curry’s passing, with colleagues and admirers honoring his legacy. Co-star Carol Burnett remembered him as a dear friend and a master of portraying lovable villains, while actor Rob Schneider commended Curry’s exceptional talent and impact on stage and screen. The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” paid tribute to Curry, acknowledging his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his lasting influence on the entertainment industry.
