Heartbreaking story of Home Alone's Tim Curry left wheelchair bound after life-changing event

Fans of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York will no doubt remember the iconic role of the hotel concierge.

Mr. Hector was the resident caretaker of the Plaza Hotel in New York and was continuously trying to chase down Kevin McCallister, played by Macaulay Culkin.

Kevin - who checked-in without an adult - was accused by Mr. Hector of using a 'stolen' credit card to get in.

Without a doubt, one of the most memorable exchanges took place when Hector confirmed the card Kevin checked in with was 'stolen'.

However, Kevin escaped by using the film Angels with Even Filthier Souls to scare him and the rest of the staff away.

That was when 'Keep the change, ya filthy animal' was born.

British actor Tim Curry famously took on the role as Mr. Hector, who is never addressed by name in the film.

He is simply credited as 'Concierge', which appears on his name tag.

20th Century Fox

Now, even though the festive classic is over 30 years old, Curry was a star way before Home Alone 2 came out.

The 77-year-old is also known for his roles in IT and Saving Santa, as well as cult classic The Rocky Horror Show in 1973.

You might also remember Curry as the Lord Of Darkness in the film Legend in 1985.

However, the once-prominent villain suffered a life-changing moment in 2012 after suffering a major stroke that left him in a wheelchair.

He was forced to undertake physical and speech therapy for a while, tools that helped him build a career in acting.

Despite going through such hardship, Curry was able to return to work via voice acting.

Curry has recorded several voice acting projects for Cartoon Network, and has appeared in the FOX Television Event The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do The Time Warp Again.

Mat Hayward/Getty Images

In 2015, the veteran Broadway actor received the organisation's lifetime achievement award.

"I’m doing well and I’m looking forward to it," he told Los Angeles magazine prior to the party. "I’ve done a few benefits for the Actors Fund and I think it’s a marvellous organisation. I hope not to have to use it."

He said to have a sense of humour during his recovery was 'absolutely vital'.

"It’s not tough to maintain," he told the magazine. "It is just part of my DNA."

On his award, Curry added: "It means that it just sort of solidifies the kind of work the American acting community has given me for years now.

"I was thrilled when they told me and I am thrilled now."

Topics: Home Alone, Celebrity, TV and Film

Anish Vij

Anish is a GG2 Young Journalist of the Year 2024 finalist. He has a Master's degree in Multimedia Journalism and a Bachelor's degree in International Business Management. Apart from that, his life revolves around the ‘Four F’s’ - family, friends, football and food. Email: [email protected]

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