Curry, who was born in Cheshire in 1946, first played the flamboyant character on stage before reprising the role in the 1975 film adaptation of Richard O’Brien’s cult musical.
His performance as Frank-N-Furter became one of the most memorable in film history, helping The Rocky Horror Picture Show develop a devoted global following. The film went on to become a cult classic and holds the record for the longest-running theatrical release in film history.
Tim Curry’s Career
Curry began his professional acting career in the original London production of the rock musical Hair in 1968, shortly after graduating from university.
In 1973, fellow Hair cast member Richard O’Brien invited Curry to audition for his new musical. Curry was subsequently cast as Dr Frank-N-Furter, the eccentric scientist at the centre of The Rocky Horror Show. He first performed the role at London’s Royal Court Theatre in 1973 before the production was adapted for the big screen.
The film starred Curry alongside Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick and O’Brien. Although it was not an immediate success at the box office, it gradually attracted a passionate fan base and became a major cultural phenomenon.
He gained another generation of fans for his portrayal of the terrifying clown Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It. He also played Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island in 1996 and appeared in films including Annie, The Hunt for Red October, Home Alone 2, Clue, Legend and Congo.
Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012 and subsequently used a wheelchair while he continued working, particularly in voice acting, while also making appearances at film conventions.
