English actor Tim Curry, known for his performances in cult favorites like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clue, and It, has passed away at the age of 80.
As of this reporting, no cause of death has been made available to the public, though Curry’s manager, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed to Variety that the actor died peacefully in his Los Angeles home on Tuesday, August 25. In 2012, he suffered a major stroke and had dealt with other health issues since then.
Curry was a versatile performer for the stage and screen. He launched his career with the original London production of Hair in 1968, which eventually led to his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1973 musical The Rocky Horror Show. Two years later, he reprised the role in Jim Sharman’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a film adaptation that was initially ignored by critics but would garner a large cult following worldwide.
This cult following is made mostly of members of the LGBTQ+LGBTQ+An umbrella term for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other sexual and gender identities, with the plus acknowledging the many identities not named. Coverage of the community spans rights,Go to LGBTQ+ Glossary community, who find inspiration in Curry’s foxy, Bowie-esque portrayal of Frank-N-Furter and the movie’s themes of gender expression and sexual liberation. Throughout the years, screenings in the U.S. and U.K. have included audiences dressing up as Rocky Horror characters and enacting scenes as the film plays.
In 1980, Curry was cast in the Broadway musical Wolfgang, where Curry played the role of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, opposite Sir Ian McKellen’s Antonio Salieri. In the following years, he was also in several films such as the musical film Annie, Ridley Scott’s Legend, the comedy mystery Clue, and the classic holiday flick Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Some of his other memorable roles are Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries It, Roger Corwin in Charlie’s Angels, and Auntie Whispers in the Primetime Creative Arts Emmy-winning animated series Over the Garden Wall.
Hollywood Remembers Tim Curry
With five decades of work and over a hundred projects under his belt, Curry was not short of peers who paid him tribute.
On Instagram, Susan Sarandon posted photos of the two from their time as Rocky Horror co-stars. “What I loved about him most was his heart,” she said. “Even wheelchair bound, he continued to be so sweet and generous with his fans. Thank you, Tim, for meaning so much to so many people.”
Rob Schneider, who had played a bellhop alongside Curry’s Mr. Hector in Home Alone 2, called the late actor a “true triple threat.” “I have never known another actor who could say more with a knowing grin or a raised eyebrow than the splendid Tim Curry,” Schneider said.
“We had such a wonderful time working together on Annie,” said Carol Burnett, who played Miss Hannigan (sister to Curry’s Rooster Hannigan) in the film. “Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend. I was blessed to know him.”
Musicians also paid tribute to Curry, who had released three albums: Read My Lips (1978), Fearless (1979), and Simplicity (1981).
Guns N’ Roses guitarist Slash’s post was brief, with the simple caption “RIP Tim Curry” to accompany photos of Curry’s iconic roles.
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea said, “I was a kid who dressed in mom’s makeup and [lamé] dress and went to see Rocky Horror at the Tiffany Theater on Sunset. I loved Tim Curry.” He also remembered the actor as a co-star on the Nickelodeon animated series The Wild Thornberrys: “I was excited to hang out with him and cut up, the sincere and funny voices. He was kind, smart, and funny as hell.”
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