Tim Curry, the idiosyncratic British actor famous for portraying eccentric characters like the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at the age of 80. Marcia Hurwitz, Curry’s long-time manager and friend, confirmed his death at his Los Angeles residence on Tuesday evening, initially stating it was Wednesday. The cause of death has not been revealed. Curry had a stroke in 2012 and had been using a wheelchair since then.
Rising to fame in the 1970s with his role in the horror-comedy musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” Curry reprised the character in the 1975 film adaptation. He gained a reputation for his portrayals of wicked, eccentric villains, such as Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
Apart from his renowned mischievous humor and expressive facial expressions, Curry was adored for his voice work in various animated children’s productions, including “The Rugrats Movie,” “The Pebble and the Penguin,” “Rugrats in Paris,” and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie.”
His stage 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 an official statement, Curry’s PR manager Sean Katz highlighted the actor’s ability to seamlessly transition between different genres throughout his career, refusing to be confined by expectations. Katz mentioned Curry’s enduring legacies as his inquisitive mind, compassionate heart, and his diverse range of dynamic personas that captivated audiences for over five decades.
Tributes poured in following Curry’s passing, with colleagues and admirers honoring his memory. Carol Burnett, Curry’s co-star from “Annie,” paid tribute on Instagram, describing him as a dear friend and a talented actor known for his portrayal of lovable villains. Actor and comedian Rob Schneider expressed his grief over Curry’s death, praising his exceptional talent on stage and screen. The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” also commemorated Curry’s legacy, acknowledging him as the original creator of the iconic character Dr. Frank-N-Furter.