Tim Curry, the actor best known for his role as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has been remembered by Guardian readers who shared their personal memories of his performances and encounters. From his early television work to his stage roles, Curry left a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
Early Encounters and Lasting Impressions
Margaret Carradus from Lancaster first saw Curry in the 1978 series Will Shakespeare, where he played the lead role alongside Nicholas Clay. "Two very classy actors who, whatever the value of the programme, made me want to know more about the man and his work," she said. "Tim Curry always had a glorious glint in his eye which drew you in as if you were the only person who understood."
Mary Donaghy from New York recalled a chance meeting outside The Dakota building, where she was waiting for a friend while holding her poodle, Honey. "One of the men, who I then realised was Mr Curry, placed his hand under Honey's chin and said: 'She looks like a delicious peppermint!'" she recounted. "We all chuckled as they continued on their way. Quite a delightful exchange."
On Stage and Screen: A Versatile Performer
Jo Glanville from London described her excitement at spotting Curry in a florist decades ago. "I told him I was a fan. He was very friendly and said he was buying flowers for the cast of a show he was in – first night presents – and filled the back of his car with them," she said.
Robert E Moore from Los Angeles highlighted Curry's role as Wadsworth in the film Clue. "No other actor could have pulled that role off with its endless dialogue and frenzied physical comedy requirements," he said. "A legend in every sense."
Lilly, a 22-year-old from Penrith, shared how Curry's performances influenced her life. "The Rocky Horror Picture Show was so important to me as a queer person," she said. "Even at the end of his life, he played a role in my self acceptance. Since I was 10 years old, I have developed a disability that affects my ability to walk, talk, use my hands and arms, and to see and hear. As my mobility and speech declined, he showed me I can still be an icon and contribute to the world even though I'm different."
International Appeal and Personal Kindness
Joe Guzman, 63, from Japan, first saw The Rocky Horror Picture Show as a teenager in the Chicagoland area. "It blew my mind," he said. "What always struck me was how he could embody the wildest characters and give them enough depth that you enjoyed them, even if you didn't like them. His characters allowed me to explore who I am and appreciate being not the norm."
Gill from East Sussex worked as a dresser for Pamela Stephenson on The Pirates of Penzance in 1982, which starred Curry as the Pirate King. During a performance, her nephew, who was seven or eight years old, shouted support during a pause. "Without missing a beat, Tim Curry replied: 'Well said, my man!'” she recalled. "A lovely man and I still have my 'buckets of blood' badges he distributed to the cast and crew."
Edward Marlowe, 52, from London, met Curry at the stage door of the Palace theatre during Spamalot in 2006. "Although clearly tired after his wonderful performance, he was charm personified," he said. "His was the last of the four signatures I needed on my 8x10 of the famous throne scene during Sweet Transvestite in The Rocky Horror Picture Show – now one of the most precious artefacts in my collection."
Curry's legacy as a performer who could blend humour, high camp, and danger was a recurring theme in the memories shared. As Joe Guzman noted, "He was a true thespian and a unique person. No one can replace him. Sayonara, Mr Curry, you will be missed and remembered."
