The phenomenon transcended the screen and developed a community of followers who for decades attended special screenings dressed as their characters, singing the songs and actively participating in the projections.
The renowned British actor died at his home in Los Angeles after facing health issues for over a decade
The phenomenon transcended the screen and developed a community of followers who for decades attended special screenings dressed as their characters, singing the songs and actively participating in the projections.
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.
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.
In 1990, another major milestone in his career arrived. Curry was chosen to portray Pennywise, the clown from It, in the television miniseries based on Stephen King's novel.
His portrayal quickly became one of the most recognizable images of horror in the 90s. The production was originally aired as a two-part miniseries and followed the so-called Losers' Club in their confrontation with the creature that took on the appearance of Pennywise.
The artist's life underwent a profound change in 2012, when he suffered a stroke. The episode caused him partial paralysis and significantly affected his mobility, leading him to start using a wheelchair.
The physical consequences reduced his activity in front of the camera, although Curry did not completely abandon his artistic career. He continued participating in projects and maintained contact with his fans through conventions and special appearances.
He even returned to the screen in recent years and made an appearance in the horror film Stream, released in 2024.