Tim Curry, actor who defied fear, dies at 80

British actor Tim Curry, whose versatile performances captivated audiences for decades, has died at his Los Angeles home at the age of 80. Curry was widely recognized for his unforgettable portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and his role as the sinister hotel concierge in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York."

Born in Cheshire, England, Curry's early life was marked by nomadic experiences and the early loss of his father. He pursued his passion for acting, studying Theater and English at the University of Birmingham before making his mark in London's West End, notably in the musical "Hair."

His collaboration with "Hair" castmate Richard O'Brian led to the iconic role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Show" in 1973. Curry's performance as the "sweet transvestite from Transylvania" became a cult phenomenon, celebrated for its embrace of gender identity and sexual freedom.

Curry also ventured into music and took on numerous supporting and villainous roles throughout his career, including the Lord of Darkness in Ridley Scott's "Legend" and the mysterious concierge in "Home Alone 2." His final film appearance was in the 2010 comedy "Burke & Hare."

In 2012, Curry suffered a stroke that left him in a wheelchair, affecting his memory and mobility. Despite these challenges, he continued to be recognized for his contributions to the arts, receiving three Tony nominations and a Primetime Emmy Award in 1994 for his role as Captain Hook in "Peter Pan and the Pirates."