Tim Curry, the distinctive British actor renowned for his portrayal of unconventional characters like the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” passed away at the age of 80. His longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed his death, which occurred at his Los Angeles residence on Tuesday night, contradicting earlier reports indicating Wednesday. The cause of death has not been disclosed, although Curry had been using a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2012.
Curry rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead 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 portrayals of sinister and eccentric villains, Curry also starred as Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
In addition to his iconic roles, Curry lent his voice to 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 garnered three Tony nominations and an Emmy nod for his guest appearance on the horror series “Tales from the Crypt.”
Described as a genre-defying actor, Curry’s publicist highlighted his versatility in seamlessly transitioning between genres throughout his five-decade career. Praised for his dynamic range of characters, Curry was remembered for his inquisitive mind and compassionate nature.
Tributes poured in following Curry’s passing, with colleagues like Carol Burnett and Rob Schneider commemorating his talent and impact on the entertainment industry. The official Instagram page of “The Rocky Horror Show” also paid homage to Curry’s legacy, acknowledging his role in bringing Dr. Frank-N-Furter to life and solidifying his status as an icon in the industry.