British actor Tim Curry, renowned 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. The news was confirmed by his longtime manager, Marcia Hurwitz, who initially stated that Curry died on Wednesday but later corrected it to Tuesday night. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Curry, who suffered a stroke in 2012 and used a wheelchair thereafter, gained fame in the 1970s through his role in the horror-comedy musical “The Rocky Horror Show” and its 1975 film adaptation.
Known for his portrayal of villainous and comical characters, Curry’s diverse career included roles such as Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.” Additionally, he lent his voice to various animated children’s productions like “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 productions like “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.” Curry’s publicist, Sean Katz, highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition between genres, emphasizing his dynamic range and enduring appeal to fans throughout his illustrious career.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and admirers following Curry’s passing. Co-star Carol Burnett fondly remembered him as a dear friend and exceptional talent, particularly noting his skill in portraying lovable villains. Other industry figures, such as actor Rob Schneider, expressed their grief over the loss of the gifted performer, praising Curry’s unique presence on stage and screen. The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” also paid homage to Curry, acknowledging his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
