Actor Tim Curry has died aged 80
Tim Curry has died at the age of 80.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show actor passed away 'peacefully' late last night (25 August) at his home in Los Angeles, according to his long-time manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz. He had reportedly been suffering with serious health issues for over a decade.
Curry was of course also known for his role as Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen king's It as well as the iconic Mr Hector in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
And other films in the British star's impressive list of credits include: Annie, Clue, Legend, Addams Family Reunion and Charlie's Angels.
In 2012, Curry suffered a major stroke which forced him to use a wheelchair. And last year, he stated that he was still unable to walk.
Per the BBC, a statement from Curry's reps said: "Across five decades, he moved fluidly between comedy, horror, drama, and music, delighting himself and his legion of fans with his countless dynamic personas."
They added: "Few actors can claim to have left as many distinct fingerprints on pop culture - and though he suffered a debilitating stroke in 2012, he continued adding to his achievements as an artist and, most recently, a writer.
"Though widely known for his inimitable, flamboyant characters and colourful stage performances, his greatest legacies to those who knew him were his curious, expansive mind and generous, gentle heart, both of which remained open and filled with anticipation until his final breath."
Curry's big break came in the early 70s following his first full-time role in the original London cast of the musical Hair. Here, he met Richard O'Brien who wrote his legendary role as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show.
The actor helped develop the mad scientist on stage in London and of course, he soon became a household name with the 1975 film adaptation The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
A cult classic to this day, Curry spoke of the film's impact in 2005, telling NPR: "I’ve certainly had some very interesting and moving mail from people who’ve said, ‘Thanks for helping me figure out who I was,’ and that’s very nice.”
Over the years, the star received a number of nominations for his performances across stage and screen, picking up a Daytime Emmy Award in 1991 for his role in Peter Pan and the Pirates and a Royal Variety Club Award in 1982 for Stage Actor of the Year in The Pirates of Penzance.
Last October, Curry published his memoir, Vagabond, looking at his time in the industry over five decades.
Grand Central Publishing said, per the BBC: "We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Curry, a singular talent whose extraordinary career left an indelible mark on generations of audiences.
"We are honored to have published his work and grateful for the stories, imagination, and joy he shared with readers.
"Our hearts are with his loved ones and countless fans around the world."
Following his 2012 stroke, Curry was forced to undertake physical and speech therapy but was eventually able to return to work via voice acting. This included on the TV series Star Wars: The Clone Wars as Chancellor Palpatine and Darth Sidious.
With Laverne Cox taking over as the legendary Dr Frank-N-Furter, Curry also took on the role as narrator on FOX's 2016 TV adaptation,The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again.
He was recognised in 2015 with the Tony Awards lifetime achievement award and made a rare appearance on the red carpet for the LA viewing party.
He told Los Angeles magazine that he relied on his sense of humour while recovering from his stroke, calling it 'absolutely vital'.
"It’s not tough to maintain," he said. "It is just part of my DNA."
Topics: Celebrity News, TV and Film
Jess Battison