Tim Curry, best known for his iconic roles as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pennywise in It, has died at the age of 80
(Image: Gregory Pace/BEI/Shutterstock)
British actor Tim Curry, best known for his iconic performances as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pennywise the Clown in It, has died at the age of 80.
The legendary performer, whose career stretched over five decades across film, television and theatre, passed away on Tuesday night, according to US reports. Circumstances surrounding his death have not yet been officially confirmed, TMZ reported.
Curry became a cult icon after portraying the flamboyant Dr Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, having originated the role on the London stage.
His performance helped transform the musical into one of the most enduring cult films of all time, with fans worldwide continuing to attend interactive midnight screenings more than 50 years after its release.
Born in Grappenhall, Cheshire, in 1946, Curry started his career on stage before achieving success in film and television. His other notable roles included the terrifying Pennywise in the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s It, Wadsworth in Clue, Rooster in Annie and Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island, reports Dublin Live.
He also featured in films including Legend, The Hunt for Red October, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and The Three Musketeers, while his distinctive voice made him a prolific performer in animation and video games.
Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012 which affected his mobility, but he continued to work as a voice actor and made occasional public appearances in the years that followed. Tributes are set to flood in for the actor, whose remarkable career established him as one of the most recognisable and adaptable performers Britain has ever produced.
READ MORE: Bridlington holidaymaker ‘in shock’ after winning £250,000 bingo prize
His depiction of Dr Frank-N-Furter stands as one of the most revered cult performances in cinema history, while countless generations of horror enthusiasts recall his spine-chilling portrayal of Pennywise.
Curry’s passing represents the loss of a truly unique talent, whose extensive body of work across theatre, film and television has cemented his place as an enduring cultural icon.