From Dr Frank-N-Furter to Long John Silver, these are Tim Curry’s nine most memorable roles

August 27, 2026 — 3:29pm When Tim Curry first pulled on his fishnets and uttered the word “anticipation” through bold cherry-red lips, cult cinema was forever transformed. The British actor, who died at the age of 80, brought a whole new meaning to camp and eccentricity as Dr Frank-N-Furter in *The Rocky Horror Picture Show* (1975). His debut film performance as the “sweet transvestite” transformed the role into a cult phenomenon, still enticing massive audiences at dress-up midnight screenings worldwide. Throughout his decades-long career, Curry took on a diverse range of iconic roles: scheming 1930s villains like Rooster Hannigan in *Annie* (1982), nosy hotel concierges in *Home Alone 2: Lost in New York* (1992), and murderous clowns like Pennywise in *It* (1990). He also excelled in voice work, winning awards for stage performances and delivering memorable voice-overs in films like *FernGully: The Last Rainforest* (1992), where he played Hexxus, the spirit of destruction. Curry’s versatility extended to stage work, where he won Tony Awards for roles in *Spamalot*, *Amadeus*, and *My Favourite Year*. His resonant voice and devilish charm made him an unstoppable force on both screen and stage. His ability to embody contradictions—artistically, professionally, and personally—cemented his legacy as one of the most memorable actors of his generation.