Tim Curry has a wide range of roles that you might think of, regardless of your age or film preferences.
The point I’m trying to make is that this man is an unquestionable legend of theater and film, a performer who will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest to ever have worked in show business.
Curry, who was born on April 19th, 1946, has thrived in a fiercely competitive field for many years thanks to his talent and hard ethic.
The It actor continued to add to his already impressive resume of accomplishments up until 2012, routinely making appearances on stage, screen, and television.
However, disaster struck when the British-born artist experienced a health problem that changed his life and left him handicapped and unable to even move about, let alone perform, just over ten years ago.
In the present, Curry just celebrated his 77th birthday at his Los Angeles home, where he leads a calm and content life away from the spotlight.
Tim Curry rose to fame as a cult favorite after playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Rocky Horror Picture Show. The English singer-actor began his trek to Hollywood on the stage; he has now been performing on stage for more than 40 years.
Curry kept working in theater and cinema after the Rocky Horror Picture Show gave him his big debut. Tim objected to the idea of the 1979 sequel, Rocky Horror Shows His Heels, being produced. He had by then developed his vocal skills through the release of albums, tours, and frequent performances on Broadway, in TV series, and in films.
Between 1978 and 1981, Curry worked with A&M Records to release three studio albums. Although none of them were big successes, he had a minor hit with I Do The Rock, which reached a peak position of No. 53 on the Billboard charts.
At this time, Curry also started working with famed actor Ian McKellen. The two were cast members of the Mozart, a critically praised theater play. Both performers received Tony nominations for their performances, and Curry described it as one of his proudest pieces of art.
Later, he portrayed the infamous clown Pennywise in the 1990 film It, and six years later, he played a professional pirate in Muppet Treasure Island. The latter, in his opinion, was a truly fantastic 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.”
Curry’s potential in the entertainment industry at this time was essentially boundless. Despite appearing in films, TV shows, and stage musicals, the actor and vocalist tragically passed away in 2012 after suffering a stroke. Curry was fortunate to have survived, but there’s no doubt that the ordeal left him scarred.
For a year, Curry’s stroke was reportedly kept a secret by his family and friends; nevertheless, the Daily Mail eventually discovered of his condition. As a result of the stroke, the actor and singer had to endure years of physical and speech therapy. Tim’s life was significantly changed, but he didn’t lose hope that he would live.
“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.”
“It’s not tough to maintain,” he added. “It is just part of my DNA.”
Tim continues to get physical and speech treatment while healing at home in the Los Feliz neighborhood of Los Angeles, according to his website.
Curry occasionally participates in video chats to interact with fans and talk about his experiences as an actor since he doesn’t want to take his success for granted.
The renowned actor is said to spend the majority of his time at home these days, which is understandable given the health issues he has had. His infectious joy and zeal for life, though, are as strong as ever.
Please join us in wishing Tim Curry a happy birthday now that he is 77 years old! Tim, thanks for the memories.
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