Legendary British actor Tim Curry, whose unmistakable performances in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “It” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” made him a film and television icon, has died. He was 80.
Curry died Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles after dealing with serious health problems for more than a decade, according to multiple reports. Law enforcement sources said no foul play was suspected. A cause of death had not been publicly announced as of Wednesday.
The actor became a cult sensation through his portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 musical comedy “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Curry had originated the flamboyant character two years earlier in the London stage production of “The Rocky Horror Show.” He later played the role in Los Angeles and on Broadway before bringing Frank-N-Furter to the big screen.
Although the movie initially received mixed reactions, it developed an enormous following and became one of the most enduring cult films in Hollywood history.
Curry later admitted that he distanced himself from the project for a period because he feared becoming permanently associated with the character.
His career, however, ultimately stretched far beyond “Rocky Horror.”
Curry terrified a generation of viewers as Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s “It.” His portrayal of the shape-shifting villain became one of the best-known performances of his career.
Two years later, Curry appeared alongside Macaulay Culkin in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” playing suspicious Plaza Hotel concierge Mr. Hector.
His extensive list of credits also included “Clue,” “Annie,” “Legend,” “The Hunt for Red October,” “Muppet Treasure Island” and numerous television and voice acting roles.
Curry’s life changed dramatically in 2012 when he suffered a major stroke.
The medical emergency left him partially paralyzed and required him to use a wheelchair. Although the stroke significantly limited his ability to perform on screen, Curry continued taking voiceover work and making occasional public appearances, per Trending Politics.
He later spoke openly about the lasting effects of the stroke, including his inability to walk.
“I still can’t walk, which is why I’m in this silly chair, and that’s very limiting,” Curry said during a 50th-anniversary celebration for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Despite his health struggles, Curry remained connected with fans and the entertainment industry.
He was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Actors Fund’s Tony Awards viewing party in Los Angeles in 2015.
Curry also earned three Tony Award nominations during his acclaimed stage career and received a Daytime Emmy Award for his voice work.
His career ultimately spanned theater, film, television, music and animation, with characters ranging from comedic villains to terrifying monsters.
Curry’s death brings to a close a remarkable career that stretched across more than five decades and produced some of the most recognizable characters in modern entertainment.
