Tim Curry, the distinctive British actor famous for his portrayals of unconventional characters like the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at 80 years old.
His close friend and manager, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed Curry’s death at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, correcting earlier reports that stated Wednesday. The exact cause of death has not been revealed. Curry had been using a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2012.
Curry rose to fame in the 1970s through his leading role in the horror-comedy musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” which he later reprised in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Known for his portrayal of wicked and eccentric antagonists, Curry also appeared as Pennywise the clown in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It,” and as Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie,” alongside Carol Burnett.
In addition to his comedic talent and expressive facial expressions, Curry was cherished for his voice work in various animated children’s productions such as “The Rugrats Movie” (1998) and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002).
His theatrical accomplishments include three Tony nominations for roles in “Spamalot,” “My Favourite Year,” and “Amadeus,” as well as an Emmy nomination in 1994 for his appearance in the horror series “Tales from the Crypt.”
Described as a versatile artist, Curry’s publicist, Sean Katz, highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres throughout his career. Katz emphasized Curry’s legacy of creativity and kindness, stating that his mind and heart remained open until the end.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and admirers following Curry’s passing. Carol Burnett shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, praising Curry’s talent and describing him as a dear friend. Actor Rob Schneider expressed his sorrow on social media, commending Curry’s exceptional skills and unique presence on stage and screen.
The official Instagram account for “The Rocky Horror Show” paid tribute to Curry, acknowledging his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and honoring his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.