Tim Curry, the iconic performer best known for decades’ worth of distinct characters on screen and the stage, has passed away. According to a report from TMZ, Curry died Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles. No official cause of death was confirmed, but the site reports Curry had been “plagued with serious health issues” for years. Fans may recall that the actor suffered a stroke in 2012, and though it resulted in him needing to use a wheelchair, he continued to make appearances at fan events and special occasions. Curry was 80.
Born in Grappenhall, Cheshire, England, Curry’s family moved around extensively in his childhood, but his talents as a singer and a performer were clear. After graduating with a degree in English and Drama in 1968, it didn’t take long for him to land a major role, earning a part in the original London cast of the musical Hair. Not only did this job mark his first major performance, but it’s the place where he met Richard O’Brien, who would go on to write The Rocky Horror Show and give Curry the part of Dr Frank-N-Furter.
The popularity of the stage show and Curry’s dynamic performance as its sinister mad scientist in particular led Rocky Horror to become a cult hit as a live show, playing the part across the world as the show opened in additional cities. That success, of course, gave way to the feature film version, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which marked Curry’s feature film debut. Though initially ignored by mainstream critics, like the stage show, The Rocky Horror Picture Show quickly developed a cult following. Even 51 years later, the film remains in limited release, largely playing to crowds that act along with it.
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