It has been announced today that acclaimed British actor Tim Curry passed away yesterday, 25 August, at his home in Los Angeles, aged 80.
Having decided to begin a career in acting after witnessing Dame Judi Dench’s performance as Sally Bowles in Cabaret, it is clear that Curry always had a taste for the eccentric. He burst into the acting world in the 1968 production of Hair on the West End, where he met his co-star Richard O’Brien, writer and star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
O’Brien asked Curry to audition for the now iconic role of Frank-N-Furter, for which he gained a loyal cult following. His unique character-acting abilities allowed him to star in many recognisable roles, notably Pennywise in the 90s television adaptation of It, and Wadsworth in Clue.
However, Curry is not only known for his on-screen performances; his work in live theatre also earned him three Tony nominations. His performances were both equal parts distinct and unmistakably his own. No matter how different, they were each full of that Tim Curry charm and lascivious in nature.
After suffering a stroke in 2012, Curry was left unable to walk, but his spirit stayed true. He continued to perform in voice-acting and appeared at multiple conventions in recent years. Last year, he published his memoir, ‘Vagabond’, which pays tribute to his lifelong contribution to the arts.
Curry was an incomparable talent who profoundly impacted the entertainment world. He leaves behind him a legacy of beauty and laughter and will undoubtedly be missed by those who loved him.
Feature Image Credit: 20th Century Fox
