British actor Tim Curry, best known for his iconic roles as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It, has died at 80.
According to TMZ, Curry died late Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles after years of serious health problems.
Law enforcement sources told the publication that police responded to his home at about 11:23pm on Tuesday. No foul play is suspected in connection with his death.
Curry began his professional career in the late 1960s before gaining international recognition with The Rocky Horror Picture Show, in which he played the flamboyant Dr Frank-N-Furter.
Although the film initially received limited critical attention, it gradually developed a devoted following through midnight screenings and became one of the most enduring cult films in cinema history.
Curry later demonstrated his versatility by taking on a wide range of roles across film, television and theatre.
He terrified a generation of viewers as Pennywise the clown in the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s It, while his other notable film credits included Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Annie, Clue, The Hunt for Red October, Muppet Treasure Island, Addams Family Reunion and Scary Movie 2.
His career also extended to the stage, where his performances earned him three Tony Award nominations. He also received an Emmy nomination during a career that spanned five decades.
Curry remained active as a performer for many years, but his career was significantly affected by a major stroke he suffered in 2012, which required brain surgery.
The stroke left him with serious mobility problems. Around the release of his memoir, Vagabond, last year, Curry said he was still unable to walk.
Despite the health challenges, Curry remained closely associated with some of the most memorable characters in popular entertainment, particularly Dr Frank-N-Furter and Pennywise.
Curry was 80. His death brings the career of an actor whose distinctive voice, theatrical presence and ability to move between horror, comedy, drama and musical theatre to a close.
(The Sun)