Tim Curry, the distinctive British actor renowned for his portrayal of unique characters such as the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has passed away at the age of 80. His death was confirmed by his longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, at his Los Angeles residence on Tuesday evening. Curry, who had suffered a stroke in 2012 and subsequently used a wheelchair, did not have the cause of death immediately disclosed.
Curry rose to fame in the 1970s as the lead in the horror-comedy stage production “The Rocky Horror Show,” later reprising the role in the 1975 film adaptation. Known for his portrayal of eccentric, villainous characters, Curry also starred as Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and as Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie.”
Aside from his acclaimed performances, Curry also lent his voice to various animated children’s productions, including “The Rugrats Movie” (1998) and “The Wild Thornberrys Movie” (2002). His versatility on stage earned him three Tony nominations and an Emmy nod for his appearance on the series “Tales from the Crypt” in 1994.
In an official statement, Curry’s PR manager, Sean Katz, highlighted the actor’s ability to seamlessly navigate different genres throughout his career. Katz emphasized Curry’s legacy as a versatile artist who captivated audiences with his diverse range of characters.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and admirers following Curry’s passing, with co-stars like Carol Burnett and Rob Schneider honoring his talent and unique contributions to the entertainment industry. The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” also paid tribute to Curry, recognizing him as the iconic figure behind Dr. Frank-N-Furter.