The man behind some of the most legendary characters in film history, Tim Curry, has died at the age of 80. A cause of death was not immediately available, but he had been in precarious health due to a major stroke that he suffered in 2012. He had been in a wheelchair since then and also underwent brain surgery because of it. TMZ reported that police were called to his house at 11:23PM on Tuesday night, but that foul play was not suspected.
One of the most legendary performers in history, Tim Curry gave a manic and charming energy to every single one of his performances, including the evil ones like Pennywise the Clown in It. His big break was as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in 1975’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show and he parlayed that into a career that lasted multiple decades.
He also starred in Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, Annie, Addams Family Reunion, Scary Movie 2, and plenty of others in his storied career. The character of Frank-N-Furter originated on the stage for director Jim Sharman and is a major reason why the film is THE cult film of all-time.
Curry also cut three rock albums in the late 70s with some hits including “Fearless” and “Simplicity”. That role alone would be enough for anyone to be cemented in entertainment history, but Tim Curry didn’t stop there.
His career as an actor started in 1968 and went on the stage through the mid-70s before Rocky Horror made him a true star. His career on the stage went on past that with roles like Amadeus that got him a Tony nomination and others that earned massive acclaim. He also starred in the 1982 film Annie as Rooster Harrigan, the 1985 film Legend as Darkness, and in Clue, which also attained massive cult acclaim.
The list of roles go on and on with standouts like Pennywise in It, The Hunt for Red October, The Three Musketeers, Home Alone 2, Muppet Treasure Island, FernGully: The Last Rainforest, The Wold Thornberrys, and in his later years, voice acting was his main gig.
Tim Curry was born April 19th, 1948 in Grappenhall, Chesire. He met Richard O’Brien during his youth and that’s what got him the gig as Frank-N-Furter.
Join us in celebrating the life and work of Tim Curry.
RIP.
Reviews