Renowned British actor Tim Curry, recognized for his portrayal of unique and eccentric characters such as the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at the age of 80.
Curry’s manager, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed his death at his residence in Los Angeles on Tuesday evening, correcting an earlier statement that mentioned Wednesday. The cause of death has not been revealed. Following a stroke in 2012, Curry had been using a wheelchair.
He gained fame in the 1970s as the lead in the horror-comedy musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” and reprised his role in the 1975 film adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Known for his portrayal of wicked and eccentric villains, Curry starred 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 as Miss Hannigan.
In addition to his distinctive 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).
Curry received three Tony nominations for his work on stage and an Emmy nomination in 1994 for his appearance on the horror series “Tales from the Crypt.”
Described as a versatile actor, Curry’s publicist, Sean Katz, highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres throughout his five-decade career. He emphasized Curry’s open-mindedness and kind-hearted nature as his enduring legacies.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fans following Curry’s passing. Carol Burnett, his co-star in “Annie,” remembered him as a dear friend and praised his talent for playing lovable villains. Actor Rob Schneider and the official Instagram page of “The Rocky Horror Show” also paid tribute to Curry’s unique talent and iconic contributions to the entertainment industry.
