Irrespective of age or taste in film, there are any number of roles you might associate with Tim Curry.
My point is that the man is an undeniable legend of cinema and theater, an entertainer who will surely go down in the pantheon of showbiz as one of the greatest to have done it.
Born April 19, 1946, Curry’s talent and work ethic have ensured that he’s stayed relevant in an ultra-competitive industry for many decades. Indeed, up until 2012, the It actor was still regularly appearing in productions across stage, TV, and film, adding to his already extensive catalog of achievements.
Yet just over a decade ago, tragedy struck when the British-born star suffered a life-changing health complication that left him crippled and barely able to get around, let alone perform.
Fast forward to present day, and Curry recently celebrated his 77th birthday at his home in LA, where he lives quiet and peaceful life away from the spotlight…
Tim Curry, nominee Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for “Monty Python’s Spamalot” (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/WireImage for Tony Awards Productions)
Tim Curry became a cult star following his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter Role in Rocky Horror Picture Show. The English actor and singer started his journey toward Hollywood on the theatrical stage – as of today, he’s been acting for over four decades.
After bursting onto the scene with Rocky Horror Picture Show, Curry continued working in both films and cinema. In 1979, the sequel – Rocky Horror Shows His Heels – was set to be filmed, though Tim rejected the idea. By that point, he had further developed his singing skills, releasing albums and touring, and was regularly performing on Broadway, in television series, and films.
Between 1978 and 1981, Curry released three studio albums with A&M Records. Despite none of them becoming commercial successes, he had a minor hit with I Do The Rock, which managed to reach No. 53 on the Billboard charts.
During this time, Curry also started working alongside legendary actor Ian McKellen. The two starred in the theatrical show Mozart, which became a smash hit. Both actors received Tony nominations for their performances – Curry described it as one of his proudest pieces of work.
He then starred as the infamous clown Pennywise in It (1990), and six years later, he was a professional pirate in Muppet Treasure Island. The latter, he said, was a very enjoyable experience.
“What’s extraordinary is that after the first day or two, you don’t think of them as Muppets,” he said. “You think of them as characters — as fellow actors.”
Youtube/Fanmio
By this point, the sky was the limit for Curry within the entertainment industry. The actor and singer appeared in television series, films, and in theater productions, but sadly, in 2012, tragedy struck, when the much-loved entertainer suffered a stroke. Thankfully, Curry survived, but the incident certainly had a negative impact on his life.
Family and friends reportedly kept Curry’s stroke a secret for a year, but in the end, his health was leaked to the Daily Mail. The stroke meant that the actor and singer was forced to undergo years of physical and speech therapy. But even though it changed his life forever, Tim himself was confident that he’d make it through.
“I’m doing well and I’m looking forward to it,” the 69-year-old actor told Los Angeles Magazine in 2015. “I’ve done a few benefits for the Actors Fund and I think it’s a marvelous organization. I hope not to have to use it.”
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – DECEMBER 04: Actor Tim Curry poses for a photo during Emerald City Comic Con at the Sheraton Grand Hotel on December 04, 2021 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images)
“It’s not tough to maintain,” he added. “It is just part of my DNA.”
To this day, according to his website, Tim attends physical and speech therapy as he continues his recovery at his home in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Never one to rest on his laurels, Curry occasionally jumps on video calls to interact with fans and discuss his life as an actor.
As per reports, the iconic actor largely remains at home these days – understandable given the health issues he has experienced – but his infectious joy and sparkle for life burn bright as they ever did.
Please join us in sending Tim Curry best wishes after his 77th birthday! Thanks for the memories, Tim!
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