Legendary actor and comedian Tim Curry died on Tuesday night in Los Angeles, his manager confirmed Wednesday. He was 80 years old.
“Though widely known for his inimitable, flamboyant characters and colorful 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,” his longtime manager Marcia Hurwitz wrote in a statement.
Known for his one-of-a-kind presence in classics like The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Clue, Curry brought his signature, often ribald, style to performances on stage, the movie screen, television and even video games throughout his decades-long career.
A cause of death was not immediately available. The British actor suffered a stroke in 2012 and had been dealing with serious health issues for more than a decade.
Curry got his first big break when he was cast in a London production of Hair in 1968. Through that role, he met actor Richard O’Brien, who would later write The Rocky Horror Picture Show, in which Curry played flamboyant alien scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter — the first of his many signature performances.
News of his death sparked a flood of tributes from costars, admirers and younger actors who were inspired by his bravery and dynamism.
Susan Sarandon,his costar in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, wrote on Instagram, “What a funny, sexy, original he was. But what I loved about him most was his heart. Even wheelchair bound he continued to be so sweet and generous with his fans. Thank you Tim for meaning so much to so many people. Love you, S”
Fellow Rocky Horror starPatricia Quinntold Entertainment Weekly she was “in shock and utterly saddened and heartbroken.”Nell Campbellsaid she “will miss him tremendously,” whileBarry Bostwick said, “Dammit Tim, I love you!” Richard O’Brienhailed the actor as a “wonderful performer,” adding, “He was, in short, a good egg and class act. It was both a privilege and delight to have known him and worked with him.”
Michael McKean, who starred alongside Curry in Clue, wrote, “Our blessing was that we had Tim Curry in our lives. RIP, my friend.” Another Clue star, Lesley Ann Warren,called the late actor a “brilliant, hilarious, hysterically funny, magician of artistry.” She added, “What an unbelievable joy to have shared a sound stage with him and to engage with such a master talent.”
Carol Burnett, his costar on 1982’s Annie, said, “Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could.”
Kiefer Sutherland, who appeared alongside Curry in The Three Musketeers, said in a statement to Deadline, “Tim Curry was someone I cared deeply about, he was someone I loved working with, and I am so lucky to have these memories… Rest in peace, my friend.”
Luke Evans, who recently played Frank-N-Furter on Broadway, wrote, “Thank you. For your fearless performance, for creating something so enduring, and for inspiring generations of actors to be a little braver than they thought they could be.”
Rob Schneider, who starred alongside Curry in Home Alone 2,said the actor was “sensational.” He added, “I am grateful to have the rare gift of watching him work, he made you better just standing near him.”
The Muppets paid tribute to Curry, who played Long John Silver in 1996’s Muppet Treasure Island, saying: “Few humans have earned the title of honorary Muppet more than the legendary Tim Curry… We will always consider it one of our greatest treasures to have been part of Long John Silver’s crew. Thank you for everything, Tim.”
Monty Python’s Eric Idlesaid he was “very sad” to hear about Curry’s death, writing, “A fine man, singer, actor, host and gardener. He will be missed.” Curry originated the role of King Arthur in the Monty Python musical Spamalot. Hank Azaria, who also appeared in the production, wrote: “Another legend lost. What an honor and joy to have worked alongside Tim Curry in Spamalot back in the day.”
Matilda star Mara Wilsonsaid, “I worked with Tim Curry when I was seven, we were in the Opening Number of the Oscars together. I had no business being there, to be honest. I couldn’t sing OR dance. But he was patient with me, and was as funny, fun, and kind as you’d hope him to be.”
Jennifer Tillycalled him a “brilliant comedic actor,” adding, “I also worked with Tim Curry on a staged reading of ‘All About Eve’ for the Actor’s Fund. He played the most cutting incisive Addison DeWitt I’ve ever seen, and brought the house down. Later he told me, that night lit a fire under him.”
Twisted Sister frontmanDee Sniderwrote,”RIP TIM CURRY. Your performance as Frank N. Furter changed my life (and makeup) for ever. :(“
Workaholics starJillian Bellsaid Curry “made me want to be an actor,” adding, “The last ten minutes of Clue, it was all on him to deliver the ending and he devoured every frame.”
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scienceshailed Curry as a “legendary performer” who was “an icon across generations.”
