The world of cinema said goodbye this Wednesday to Tim Curry, one of the most recognizable British actors of recent decades. The artist, remembered for portraying the terrifying clown Pennywise in the television adaptation of It and for his role in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, died at the age of 80.
The news was initially reported by TMZ and later confirmed by various representatives of the actor. Curry died at his residence in Los Angeles, where he had lived for years. So far, no official cause of death has been reported. His long-time representative, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed the passing, and authorities indicated that there are no suspicions of foul play.
The actor had been facing serious health difficulties for over a decade. In 2012, he suffered a stroke that caused partial paralysis, and since then he had been using a wheelchair. Despite the aftermath, he remained connected to acting and made public appearances and voice work.
Who was Tim Curry and what were his most memorable roles
Timothy James Curry was born on April 19, 1946, in Grappenhall, Cheshire, England. From a young age, he showed interest in the arts and later studied English and theater at the University of Birmingham, where he graduated in 1968. That same year, he began his professional career in theater with a production of Hair in London.
His big leap to fame came in the 1970s thanks to a character that would accompany him throughout his career: Dr. Frank-N-Furter from The Rocky Horror Show.
Curry had played the role on stage before bringing it to film in 1975 with The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The movie, in which he shared the cast with Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, became over time one of the great cult classics of musical cinema.
