Tim Curry, the British actor whose portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show turned him into a counterculture icon and whose later roles ranged from the sinister Pennywise in the 1990 TV miniseries It to comedic turns in films like Clue and Spice World, has died. He was 80.
Curry died at his home in Los Angeles, his manager Marcia Hurwitz confirmed to the Associated Press on Wednesday. The cause of death was not immediately released. The Los Angeles Police Department told Nexstar's KTLA that officers responded to a home in North Hollywood on Tuesday night for the death of a man in his 80s but provided no further details.
Born in Cheshire, England, Curry first gained attention on the London stage, but it was his role in the 1973 stage musical The Rocky Horror Show that made him a star. He reprised his role as the flamboyant, cross-dressing scientist in the 1975 film adaptation, which became a midnight movie phenomenon. The film's blend of horror, comedy, and glam rock, along with Curry's magnetic performance, earned it a dedicated following that persists to this day.
Curry's career was marked by remarkable versatility. He earned a Tony nomination for his role in the Broadway musical Amadeus and won a Tony for his portrayal of King Arthur in the 1981 musical Spamalot. His filmography includes a wide range of genres, from the dark comedy Clue to the animated The Wild Thornberrys and the musical Annie. He also voiced roles in numerous animated series and films, including FernGully: The Last Rainforest and The Pebble and the Penguin.
One of his most memorable later roles was as the demonic clown Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King's It, a performance that terrified a generation and remains a touchstone of horror television. He also played the butler in the 1997 film Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and appeared in Charlie's Angels and Legend.
Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012, which left him using a wheelchair and limited his ability to act. Despite this, he continued to make public appearances and lend his voice to projects, including a role in the 2019 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let's Do the Time Warp Again.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues. Many have noted his influence on popular culture and his status as a LGBTQ+ icon, as his portrayal of Frank-N-Furter challenged gender norms and celebrated self-expression.
Curry's legacy is one of fearless creativity and boundary-pushing performance. He was a gifted actor who brought depth and charisma to every role, whether on stage, screen, or voice-over. His work will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
