British actor Tim Curry, known for his eccentric roles such as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at the age of 80. His manager, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed his death at his Los Angeles residence on Tuesday evening. Curry, who suffered a stroke in 2012, had been using a wheelchair since then.
Curry rose to fame in the 1970s with his performance in the horror-comedy stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show,” which he later reprised in the 1975 film adaptation. He became renowned for portraying villainous characters like Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 movie “Annie.”
Aside from 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 versatile talent earned him three Tony nominations for stage performances and an Emmy nomination for his appearance on the TV series “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
Described as a genre-defying actor, Curry’s public relations manager, Sean Katz, highlighted his ability to seamlessly transition between different genres throughout his five-decade career. Katz emphasized Curry’s open-mindedness and kind-hearted nature as his greatest legacies, noting that he continued to captivate fans with his dynamic personas until his final days.
Numerous tributes poured in following Curry’s passing, with colleagues and admirers celebrating his exceptional talent and memorable performances. Co-star Carol Burnett shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, praising Curry’s portrayal of lovable villains. Actor Rob Schneider expressed his sorrow over the loss of his co-star and lauded Curry’s unparalleled stage presence. The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” also paid homage to Curry, acknowledging his role in creating an iconic character with Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Tim Curry’s legacy as a versatile and beloved actor continues to resonate with fans and peers alike, honoring his unique contributions to the entertainment industry.