Tim Curry, Rocky Horror Star, Dies Aged 80

English actor Tim Curry, best known for his iconic portrayal of Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died aged 80.

Curry first played the flamboyant character on stage before reprising the role in the 1975 film adaptation. The movie went on to become a cult classic and cemented Curry’s place in popular culture.

He later became known to a new generation of audiences for playing the terrifying clown Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It.

Curry’s other notable film roles included Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island, as well as appearances in Annie, The Hunt for Red October, Home Alone 2 and Scary Movie 2.

He also enjoyed a successful theatre career and was nominated for three Tony Awards for his work on Broadway.

Born in Warrington, England, in 1946, Curry began his professional acting career after university when he joined the original London production of the groundbreaking rock musical Hair in 1968.

Five years later, fellow Hair cast member Richard O’Brien invited Curry to audition for a new musical he was writing.

Curry won the role of Dr Frank-N-Furter, the flamboyant and eccentric scientist at the centre of The Rocky Horror Show.

He first performed the character in 1973 at the upstairs theatre of London’s Royal Court, where his distinctive performance helped establish the role that would define much of his career.

His portrayal combined theatricality, humour and irreverence, making Frank-N-Furter one of cinema’s most memorable characters.

Curry went on to build a diverse career across film, television and theatre, becoming known for his ability to move effortlessly between comedy, horror, drama and musical performance.

His death marks the passing of an actor whose most famous performances remained enduring fixtures of popular culture for generations.