An iconic actor known for his work on stage and screen, the legend Tim Curry has passed away at age 80 at his California home. Known for his chameleon-like performances, he imbued every project with charisma and a wicked grin that endeared him to millions around the world - even if, as usual, he was playing the villain. 

Dolly's passing was hard to hear, but the news that Tim Curry has gone is a gut punch. It sucks to see him go, especially since he had, in the last few years, seemed to have become more excited about his work and embracing his legacy - much of which was put on hold by his catastrophic 2012 stroke. In 2025 he released his memoir, Vagabond, and told the Guardian "I've had the opportunities, and I'm still showing up. You know? I think that's what you have to do. You have to keep showing up."

And show up he did; after spending decades reticent about his most famous role in Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Picture Show - he originally felt the film was a failure and possibly heralded the end of his career -  he had clearly mellowed by 2025. In an interview with the New York Post about the film's 50th Anniversary, he said: "For your first movie to run for 50 years is crazy". Reflecting on 'Rocky's message, he continued: "Be who you want to be - and have the balls to do it." 

He was scheduled to appear at a live screening of 'Rocky alongside fellow cast members for the second year running this Halloween.

So in tribute to the man, the myth and the legend, here are some of my most cherished Curry performances. Please note, this isn't an exhaustive list. I know his roles are many and loved across the board, but these are mine.

Dr. Frank-N-Furter

I first fell in love with him, as many did, for his turn as the wickedly flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. While I was far too young to appreciate the *ahem* 'nuances' in the film, and I don't recommend showing it to your six-year-old, I was immediately entranced by his performance, his beautiful voice, impish asides, and greatest movie entrance in history. I was both terrified and spellbound. As an adult, I've been able to enjoy both his performance and the 'nuances', and I still shiver every time the opening credits play.

Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island

Much more age-appropriate, but by no means less wicked, as Long John Silver, Curry managed to deliver one of the best performances of his career. While acting alongside the Muppets is awkward for some, he stole every scene. In his autobiography, he wrote wonderfully about the role, saying, "I cannot overstate how much I adored working with the Muppets. The extraordinary thing about them is that they are all characters in their own right and you should treat them as such...my respect for my fellow actors was immense". In fact, he was declared an honorary Muppet himself. If you've not had the chance, I highly recommend seeking it out; you won't be disappointed.

Rooster in Annie

Again a villain, but what a charmer! In another scene-stealing performance as a conman who plots with Carol Channing and Bernadette Peters, he gets all the plum lines and some fantastic songs to boot. "One of the reasons I wanted to do Annie' was that it was going to be, for sure, one of the last great big blockbuster Hollywood musicals," he said in 1986 to Starlog Magazine. "It's terrific to be part of that. If we're talking about fantasies, that was certainly one of mine to be in a gigantic Hollywood production." Once again, another iconic turn and, if I'm being honest, one of his hottest appearances. Swapping his stocking suspenders for trouser ones, he certainly cuts a figure in that 1930s garb. 

Nigel Thornberry in The Wild Thornberries

One of the roles that will make people go 'I didn't know that was him', as the voice of the whimsical, large-of-nose patriarch in Nickelodeon's The Wild Thornberries cartoon, Curry got to bring some tenderness to his hilarious performance as the Naturalist who takes his family with him on his documentary adventures. Originally getting into voice acting to practise his American accent, Nigel had him dialling up his British accent to 11. Telling UGO in 2002: "He looked like one of those bomber pilots from WWII...the 'braying sound' of that accent was the sound of the British Empire, and it's still with us". Smashing! Oh, and if you want another mind-blowing fact: Donnie, the little brother, is voiced by Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers fame.

Rest easy, big man, thank you for all the memories. I'll be raising a glass to you tonight x