Tim Curry, the versatile British actor best known for his defining portrayal of the cross-dressing scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80 according to Yahoo.
Tim Curry, Iconic Star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dies at 80
No cause of death was disclosed, though the actor had dealt with serious health issues for more than a decade after suffering a major stroke in 2012 that left him partially paralyzed and using a wheelchair.
Curry studied drama and English at the University of Birmingham, graduating in 1968. He began his professional acting career shortly afterward in a London West End production of Hair.
From Stage to Cult Stardom in Rocky Horror
During his time in Hair, Curry met actor Richard O’Brien, who wrote The Rocky Horror Show. With Curry’s input, the character transformed into the iconic persona sporting garish eye shadow, black corsetry, fishnet stockings, and a garter belt.
The role debuted in 1973 at the tiny upstairs venue of London’s Royal Court Theatre before moving to larger London venues and Broadway. Curry reprised his role in the 1975 film adaptation, starring alongside Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick.
Reflecting on the role in a 1975 interview, Curry noted the professional risk involved. When I read it, I just thought it was very, very witty and funny,
he said, acknowledging his initial hesitation that if it worked, it might be difficult to shake off. Decades later, he noted that the character gave teenagers permission to be different.
A Versatile Career on Screen and Broadway
Beyond Rocky Horror, Curry built a prolific career playing eccentric characters and memorable villains across film, television, and theatre. His major film and television credits included:
* Annie (1982): Played Rooster Hannigan, scheming alongside orphanage matron Miss Hannigan (Carol Burnett). * Legend (1985): Portrayed the Lord of Darkness in the Ridley Scott-directed fantasy film. * It (1990): Starred as the terrifying clown Pennywise in the television miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s horror novel. * The Hunt for Red October (1990): Performed as a Soviet medical officer. * Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992): Played Mr. Hector, the nosy personal concierge at the Plaza Hotel. * The Three Musketeers (1993): Portrayed the double-dealing Cardinal Richelieu.
In addition to screen work, Curry was a three-time Tony Award nominee for his Broadway performances: in 1981 for the title role in Amadeus, in 1993 for his leading role in My Favorite Year, and in 2005 for portraying King Arthur in the musical Monty Python’s Spamalot. Possessing a rich baritone voice, he also worked extensively in voice acting, winning a Daytime Emmy Award in 1991 for his work on the animated series Peter Pan and the Pirates.
Tributes and Personal Legacy
Following the news of his death, co-stars and friends shared tributes online. Susan Sarandon called him a funny sexy original
who remained sweet and generous with fans even when wheelchair-bound. Kiefer Sutherland, who worked with him on The Three Musketeers, remembered him as someone he cared deeply about and loved working with.
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