Tim Curry dies: "Cult film" actor passes away aged 79

Breakthrough with "The Rocky Horror Show"

After his success, Curry moved into the formal theater of the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal Court Theatre, where he was recruited for the cast of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." From there, he built a versatile career in film and television.

Among Curry's other well-known roles was the condescending concierge in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" (1992), who tries in vain to make life difficult for Macaulay Culkin's character, Kevin McCallister, at New York's Plaza Hotel. In the equally highly regarded ensemble film "Clue" (1985), he played the butler Wadsworth, who harbors a dark secret.

Versatile roles in Hollywood

Curry also played a wealthy philanthropist in "Congo" (1995) and appeared alongside Carol Burnett in "Annie." Regarding his typecasting as a villain, he once said: „Hollywood tends to use European actors, especially English ones, as villains because they prefer heroes to be Americans."

In the 1990s, Curry also established a firm place for himself on Broadway in the United States. He appeared in musical productions and worked with artists such as Madonna, Pink, and Blur, demonstrating his versatility.

His active stage and film career largely ended after his stroke in 2012. He subsequently withdrew from public life. His death prompted numerous obituaries and tributes from the film and theater communities on Monday.

Through his portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Curry created a role whose impact extended far beyond the film. The character's costumes, sensual charisma, and camp aesthetic made him a symbol of an entire subculture.

Pennywise and the legacy

Curry was also present in Stephen King adaptations, including the television adaptation of "It" (1990), in which he played the titular horror clown Pennywise—a role that continues to shape generations of viewers to this day. Regarding his understanding of his profession, he once said: „It's neither a blessing nor a curse."

His death leaves a gap in the international entertainment industry. Colleagues such as Susan Sarandon, who appeared on screen alongside Curry, paid tribute to his work and his legacy in film and theater.