Bloody Disgusting is deeply saddened to learn that actor and The Rocky Horror Picture Show icon Tim Curry has passed away at 80 years old.
Curry passed away Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles, TMZ reports.
The actor broke out for his lead role in Rocky Horror, having been part of the original stage production at a tiny upstairs venue at London’s Royal Court Theatre before it was adapted to screen and became a global cult hit.
Curry went on to a successful, prolific career; not even a massive stroke in 2012 slowed him down.
Beyond his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, horror fans know him best as the original Pennywise, in a two-part ABC adaptation of It, with more than 37 million households tuning in. Needless to say, his terrifying turn traumatized a generation of TV watchers.
His distinct voice ensured he was recognizable under all the makeup and prosthetics, most notably in Ridley Scott’s Legend, for which he turned in a mesmeric performance as the fantasy film’s villain, Darkness. That voice also led to a robust voice acting career as well, from Scooby-Doo to Batman Beyond.
Other notable roles in the genre space include a smaller part in Michael Crichton’s Congo (1995), Scary Movie 2 (2001), and Stream (2024). Our own Paul Lê recently celebrated Curry’s triple-role turn in an episode of the enduring horror anthology Tales from the Crypt, “Death of Some Salesmen.“
Curry also had a turn as a recording artist, releasing three rock albums in the late 1970s and early ’80s and even going on tour.
Needless to say, the multi-hyphenate talent leaves behind an incredible legacy that’ll continue to be celebrated.
Thank you for all of the wonderful and sometimes nightmarish movie and television memories, Tim Curry. You will be greatly missed.
