Tim Curry, the distinctive British actor renowned for his portrayal of unconventional characters such as the flamboyant, eccentric mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at the age of 80.
According to his longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, Curry died at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday night, with an initial statement mentioning Wednesday as the day of his passing. The cause of death has not been disclosed at this time. Curry had been using a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2012.
Rising to fame in the 1970s with his lead role in the horror-comedy stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” Curry reprised the character in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Known for his portrayal of villainous and eccentric characters, Curry also notably played Pennywise the clown in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
Aside from his distinctive humor 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 performances earned him three Tony nominations for “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.”
In a statement released to CBC News, Curry’s PR manager highlighted the actor’s versatility in seamlessly transitioning between different genres throughout his career, captivating fans with his diverse range of characters.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and admirers following Curry’s passing. Carol Burnett, his co-star from “Annie,” paid tribute to him on Instagram, praising his talents and describing him as a dear friend. Actor and comedian Rob Schneider also expressed his sadness over Curry’s death, reminiscing about their work together on “Home Alone 2.”
The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” honored Curry as a unique talent and credited him as the individual who brought Dr. Frank-N-Furter to life, creating an enduring icon.
Curry’s legacy as a versatile actor who could seamlessly delve into various genres and bring depth to his characters will continue to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide.