British Actor Tim Curry, Dies at 80

British actor Tim Curry, best known for playing the outlandish Frank-N-Furter in film musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80.

Curry first played the role on stage before the film version, which was released in 1975 and has remained a cult favourite.

The actor also played fearsome clown Pennywise in the 1990 TV version of Stephen King's It, and was Long John Silver in 1996's Muppet Treasure Island.

His other films included Annie, The Hunt for Red October, Home Alone 2, Scary Movie 2 and he was nominated for three Tony Awards on Broadway.

Born in Warrington in 1946, Curry's first acting job after university was in the original London production of groundbreaking rock musical Hair in 1968.

A statement from Curry's representatives following his death said: "Across five decades, he moved fluidly between comedy, horror, drama, and music, delighting himself and his legion of fans with his countless dynamic personas."

Curry had a major stroke in 2012 and had to use a wheelchair. He concentrated on voice acting and continued to appear at film conventions.

A cause of death was not immediately given, but Curry had been in ill health ​for some time. 

He died peacefully on Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles, his manager said.

Source: BBC | Reuters