Iconic Actor Tim Curry, Known for ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ Passes Away at 80

POLICY WIRE — Los Angeles, USA — Tim Curry, the versatile character actor renowned for his memorable roles in both stage and screen productions, has passed away at the age of 80. Curry, who was best known for his portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and the sinister clown Pennywise in “It,” died at his home in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

His longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed the news but did not disclose the cause of death. Curry had been using a wheelchair since suffering a stroke in 2012.

Curry’s career was marked by his ability to bring eccentric and villainous characters to life. He earned three Tony nominations for his performances in “Spamalot,” My Favorite Year, and Amadeus, and received an Emmy nomination in 1994.

His breakout role came with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” where he originated the character of Frank-N-Furter in the 1973 stage production and later reprised the role in the 1975 film. The musical, known for its LGBTQ+ representation and cult following, featured iconic scenes and the song The Time Warp.

Curry’s distinctive voice and versatile acting skills led him to a variety of roles, including the conniving concierge in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and the child-killing monster in the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It.” He also lent his voice to numerous animated series and films.

Born in Cheshire, England, Curry was the son of a Navy chaplain and a school secretary. His early life experiences, including his father’s death when he was 12, shaped his passion for cooking and humor, which he later incorporated into his acting career.

Curry’s memoir, “Vagabond,” revealed his private nature and the occasional challenges he faced due to the conflation of his real self with his on-screen personas. Despite this, he remained grateful for the connections he made with fans through his work.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)