Actor Tim Curry died late Monday at his Los Angeles home, his long-time manager said.
The British performer, 80, passed away “peacefully” on August 25, according to Marcia Hurwitz, his manager and friend. He had reportedly been suffering with serious health issues for over a decade.
Curry was best known as the corset-clad Dr. Frank-N-Furter in 1975’s “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the cult musical that turned him into a household name. He originated the role on stage in London before the film adaptation cemented his place in pop culture history.
The actor was also widely recognized for his chilling portrayal of Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s “It,” as well as his turn as the imperious Mr. Hector in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” His extensive film credits included “Annie,” “Clue,” “Legend,” “Addams Family Reunion,” and “Charlie’s Angels.”
In 2012, Curry suffered a major stroke that forced him to use a wheelchair. Last year, he stated that he was still unable to walk.
A statement from Curry’s representatives 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.”
The statement continued: “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 1970s with his first full-time role in the original London cast of the musical “Hair.” There, he met Richard O’Brien, who wrote the legendary role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter specifically for him in “The Rocky Horror Show.”
In a 2005 interview, Curry spoke of the film’s lasting impact. “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,” he said.
Over his career, Curry earned numerous nominations across stage and screen. He won a Daytime Emmy Award in 1991 for “Peter Pan and the Pirates” and a Royal Variety Club Award in 1982 for Stage Actor of the Year in “The Pirates of Penzance.” In 2015, he received the Tony Awards lifetime achievement award and made a rare red carpet appearance at the LA viewing party.
Following his stroke, Curry underwent physical and speech therapy but eventually returned to work through voice acting. His credits included Chancellor Palpatine and Darth Sidious on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars.” In 2016, he served as narrator for FOX’s television adaptation “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again,” with Laverne Cox taking over his iconic role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Curry told Los Angeles magazine that he relied on his sense of humor while recovering from his stroke, calling it “absolutely vital.”
“It’s not tough to maintain,” he said. “It is just part of my DNA.”
Last October, Curry published his memoir, “Vagabond,” chronicling his five decades in the entertainment industry. His publisher, Grand Central Publishing, released a statement saying: “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,” they continued. “Our hearts are with his loved ones and countless fans around the world.”