Richard O'Brien, the writer of "The Rocky Horror Show," has paid tribute to Tim Curry, the iconic actor who portrayed Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 film adaptation. Curry died at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday night at the age of 80, with his manager confirming the news the following day. A cause of death was not disclosed, but Curry had been managing serious health issues for over a decade following a stroke in 2012 that affected his mobility.
O'Brien shared his sentiments via his son, Linus, on Instagram, describing Curry as "a good egg and a class act who never sought attention." He added that Curry was "a wonderful man by nature who was also a wonderful performer and understood the difference between such delightful achievements."
"He never sought attention and never put himself before the roles that he played," O'Brien wrote. "He was, in short, a good egg and class act. It was both a privilege and delight to have known him and worked with him. Rest in peace dear Tim."
Curry's performance as the flamboyant, transsexual scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" became his signature role, despite his reported desire to avoid being typecast. He originated the part on stage before reprising it for the film. The role, characterized by "a hedonist in heels and fishnets," propelled Curry to international fame.
Curry's career extended beyond "Rocky Horror." He also famously portrayed the sinister clown Pennywise in the 1990 film adaptation of Stephen King's "It." His other notable roles include Mr. Hector, the suspicious hotel concierge in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" (1992), and Rooster Hannigan in the musical "Annie." In later years, he took on the role of King Arthur in the musical "Spamalot," performing on stage in Chicago, Broadway, and London's West End between 2004 and 2007.
O'Brien, who also hosted the British game show "The Crystal Maze" from 1990 to 1993, wrote "The Rocky Horror Show" musical in 1973, which has enjoyed continuous production. He co-wrote the screenplay for the film adaptation with director Jim Sharman.
