Renowned British actor Tim Curry, famous for his portrayal of eccentric 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 long-time manager, Marcia Hurwitz, who initially stated he died on Wednesday but later clarified that he passed away on Tuesday evening at his residence in Los Angeles. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Curry, who had suffered a stroke in 2012 and had been using a wheelchair since then, rose to fame in the 1970s through his role in the horror-comedy stage musical “The Rocky Horror Show” and its 1975 film adaptation.
In addition to his iconic performances, including Pennywise in the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie,” Curry endeared himself to audiences with his voice work in various animated children’s productions. His versatility on stage earned him three Tony nominations and an Emmy nod for his appearance on the horror series “Tales from the Crypt.”
Sean Katz, Curry’s PR manager, highlighted the actor’s ability to seamlessly transition across different genres throughout his career. Katz emphasized Curry’s legacy of embracing diverse roles and captivating audiences with his dynamic personas. Over his five-decade career, Curry showcased his talent in a wide range of projects, from comedy and horror to drama and music. His unique ability to embody characters across various genres solidified his status as a beloved and versatile performer.
Following his passing, tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers, with co-stars like Carol Burnett and Rob Schneider expressing their admiration for Curry’s talent and impact on the entertainment industry. The official Instagram page for “The Rocky Horror Show” also paid homage to Curry, acknowledging his role in bringing the iconic character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter to life and hailing him as a true original in the world of entertainment.