What a sad week it’s been!
First the loss of Dolly Parton, and now we must mourn Tim Curry too… Just heartbreak after heartbreak.
As we reported, news of the legendary actor’s passing broke Wednesday morning after first responders answered a call at his Los Angeles home late Tuesday night. The Rocky Horror Picture Show icon had famously been dealing with health issues ever since having a stroke in 2012, but the cause of death is currently unknown.
Related: Tim Reflects On Rocky Horror
Across social media and beyond, celebrities, co-stars, and fans are paying tribute. Susan Sarandon, who played the innocent and naive Janet in Rocky Horror, wrote on Instagram:
“What a funny, sexy, original he was. But what I loved about him most was his heart. Even wheelchair bound he continued to be so sweet and generous with his fans. Thank you Tim for meaning so much to so many people. Love you, S”
Rob Schneider, who co-starred with him in Home Alone 2: Lost In New York, also took to X (Twitter), writing:
“Gutted. The sensational character actor, Tim Curry has left the stage. A truly gifted performer of stage and screen, his one eyebrow could say more than most actors entire bodies. I am grateful to have the rare gift of watching him work, he made you better just standing near him.”
He also paid homage on Insta:
“The great and wonderful Tim Curry has given his final bow. I have never known another actor who could say more with a knowing grin or a raised eyebrow than the splendid Tim Curry! Most actors will do a scene the same way and try to perfect it. I was astonished as a young actor to witness Tim do a scene 7 completely different ways and ALL OF THEM FANTASTIC! I asked him about it, and he gave me a great gift. Tim said, “I want to give the director different choices! It’s not my job to decide which one. It’s up to him!” Right then and there, it changed everything for me! Tim was kind and generous to be in a scene with. I was thrilled to be in the same frame as him. A true triple threat, Tim could dance, sing, (he had a hit Rock single in the 70’s “I like to Rock!”) and of course act spectacularly. Movie lovers will always remember his masterful performances in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Annie” and his scene stealing scenes in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” among countless others. Tim, it was truly an honor to know you! God bless you! Love, Rob”
Luke Evans, who’s currently playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter on Broadway, shared a letter he wrote to Tim three weeks ago, telling his followers:
“There will only be one Tim Curry. He was a force, a bright fierce flame, an exquisite charm and that rich vocal tone, he was an inspiration to me and so many people for the roles he played and the effect he had on so many of us.”
Swipe through to read his letter (below):
Read more of the celebrity tributes (below):
“Stepping into Frank-N-Furter’s heels was one of the greatest honors of my life. Spending time with that character and that world taught me more about myself than I even knew I needed to learn. Today, my heart aches at the loss of one of the greatest artists of all time. Tim Curry, thank you for your fearless brilliance and for giving so many of us permission to be louder, bolder, and wholly ourselves. I’m forever grateful to have walked in the shadow of a legacy you made immortal.” – Frankie Grande
“We had such a wonderful time working together on ‘Annie.’ Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend. I was blessed to know him.” – Carol Burnett
“I also worked with Tim Curry on a staged reading of “All About Eve” for the Actor’s Fund. He played the most cutting incisive Addison DeWitt I’ve ever seen, and brought the house down. Later he told me, that night lit a fire under him. He said he went home and swam in the pool at midnight and looked at the stars and wondered what he was doing with his life. Shortly after that I heard he was starring on Broadway in a Tony nominated role in Spamalot. A brilliant comedic actor. Gone too soon.” – Jennifer Tilly
“Another legend lost. What an honor and joy to have worked alongside Tim Curry in Spamalot back in the day.” – Hank Azaria
“Rocky Horror is on TV right now, and not like I needed the reminder, but man, Tim Curry is just THE MAN. What a great career.” – Darren Criss
“Tim Curry was someone I cared deeply about, he was someone I loved working with and I am so lucky to have these memories… Rest in peace, my friend.” – Keifer Sutherland
Tim Curry was 80 when he passed.
May he rest in peace.
[Image via 20th Century Fox.]
