Tim Curry, Star of 'Rocky Horror Picture Show,' Dies at 80

Tim Curry, the acclaimed British actor renowned for his unforgettable portrayal of the "sweet transvestite" Dr. Frank N. Furter in the 1975 musical horror-comedy "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," has died at the age of 80. His death was reported by Variety and other outlets, though a cause was not immediately specified. Curry had reportedly been in ill health for some time.

“

I'm not much of a man by the light of day. But by night I'm one hell of a lover. I'm just a sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania.

Curry's career spanned film, stage, and voice acting. He received three Tony Award nominations for his work on Broadway, including for his role as Mozart in "Amadeus" (1981), for "My Favorite Year" (1993), and as King Arthur in "Monty Python's Spamalot" (2005). His rich baritone voice also made him a sought-after voice actor, earning him a Daytime Emmy Award in 1991 for his work on "Peter Pan & the Pirates."

While his role in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" became his signature, Curry often appeared in films as a villain, sometimes with a comedic flair. He acknowledged the potential for such a distinctive role to define his career, telling an interviewer in 1975 that he was hesitant about it but ultimately believed that taking risks was essential for worthwhile work. "I mean, I was hesitant in that, if it worked, it might be a difficult thing to shake off. But, really, I've always thought that it (a part) wasn't worth doing unless you took a risk," he said.

“

I mean, I was hesitant in that, if it worked, it might be a difficult thing to shake off. But, really, I've always thought that it (a part) wasn't worth doing unless you took a risk.

Curry's filmography includes a wide range of movies such as "Charlie's Angels" (2000), "Muppet Treasure Island" (1996), "The Shadow" (1994), "The Three Musketeers" (1993), "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" (1992), "Clue" (1985), "Legend" (1985), and "Annie" (1982). He once remarked that he "do love those roles – they're always the best written," referring to villainous characters.

“

I do love those roles – they're always the best written.