Tim Curry Dies at 80: Remembering the Man Behind Rocky Horror and IT

Tim Curry, the legendary actor who brought Dr. Frank-N-Furter to life in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and terrified a generation as Pennywise in the 1990 IT miniseries, died Tuesday night at his Los Angeles home. He was 80 years old. Curry’s career spanned more than five decades, from the London stage to Hollywood blockbusters, and his impact on pop culture can’t be overstated.

Beyond Rocky Horror and IT, Curry was a staple of 90s family movies. He played the dastardly butler in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, he was the villain in Legend opposite Tom Cruise, and he starred in the cult favorite Clue. After suffering a major stroke in 2012, Curry continued working in voice roles, lending his unmistakable baritone to animated shows and video games. He became a fixture of Halloween culture, with his characters inspiring countless costumes and midnight movie screenings that continue to this day.

Tim Curry was one of those rare performers who bridged generations. Whether you found him through a grainy VHS tape of Rocky Horror or through a friend showing you the original IT on streaming, his work spoke for itself. What’s your favorite Tim Curry memory? Drop it in the comments below.