Tim Curry gained a devoted following after playing the character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. This English actor and singer began his career in the theater before making his way to Hollywood, where he has been acting for more than forty years.
Tim Curry’s life took a major turn when he had a stroke in 2012. He managed to survive, but had to attend physical and speech therapy for many years.
So, what is Tim Curry up to now? And how is he faring post-stroke? Here’s the scoop!
Tim Curry was born on April 19, 1946, in Grappenhall, England. His father, James, served as a Methodist Royal Navy chaplain, while his mother, Patricia, worked as a school secretary.
Tim Curry – early life
When Tim was just a baby, his family relocated to Hong Kong. Unfortunately, tragedy struck when his father had a stroke. As a result, they returned to England and settled in Plymouth. Tim spent a great deal of time with his maternal grandfather, who happened to live nearby and later played a significant role in his life.
Due to his father’s involvement with the church, Tim displayed promising singing talent. By the age of six, he was already a soprano in his local church choir, and four years later, he ventured into acting, particularly in Shakespearean plays.
After his father’s passing, Tim and his family made another move, this time to London.
He went to Kingswood School boarding school in Bath and seemed to be headed for a career in show business from a young age. After finishing school, Tim pursued drama at Birmingham University. He completed his studies in 1968 with a degree in drama and theatre studies.
During his time in Birmingham, Curry lived with actor, screenwriter, and director Patrick Barlow. Although known for his singing abilities, Curry’s acting skills were not yet fully recognized.
Curry was primarily viewed as a prominent solo performer.
“I remember being amazed by his extraordinary singing voice – it was just completely perfect, just something he was born with – it came ready-made,” Barlow told The Guardian.
“We would go to university parties and end up having a drink and whatever, and he would break out into song, this marvellous bluesy voice.”
Breakthrough work in ‘Hair’
In 1968, Curry, Barlow, and a few other friends sat in a car on their way to London after finishing school. Tim couldn’t join the Birmingham Repertory Theater since he wasn’t part of Actors’ Equity. He decided to chase his dream in a different manner.
The idea was to become a part of a street theatre group in Chalk Farm, but none of the members had any idea about what they would encounter. Tim’s unique voice had become his signature during his early days, and within just one day in London, he managed to secure his first paid job.
Barlow reminisced about the time when someone had informed them about it, as none of them were familiar with accessing anything back then. When they arrived, it turned out that Barlow was the only one who decided to remain.
The following day, Tim and Judy were hired at Hair. Tim’s only task was to sing, while Judy’s role was simply to greet with “hello, I’m here.”
Tim’s initial job in the professional world was being a member of the original London cast of the rock musical Hair. However, he almost didn’t get the opportunity to be a part of this cherished yet controversial musical.
During his audition, Curry was questioned about his professional background and whether he possessed an Equity card, indicating his membership in the Actors’ Equity Association. As stated on his website, Tim provided false information about both aspects.
Wanted to be an actor rather than a singer
Despite discovering that he lacked professional experience and an Equity card, the producers were still “sufficiently impressed” by his talent and presence. As a result, they decided to support him by sponsoring his union membership.
Tim shared that he originally planned to perform a specific song, but instead, he ended up participating in the production by dancing in the background with the rest of the group. Despite the unusual nature of the show, some audience members did not attend due to being under the influence or choosing to stay home. However, Tim remained dedicated and always attended the performances.
Tim Curry rose to stardom thanks to his hair, but he remained uncertain about his career path. While he had a strong desire to pursue singing, he also harbored ambitions of becoming a professional actor. During an interview with the LA Times, Tim revealed that he had been offered recording contracts and the chance to join music bands. However, his true passion lay elsewhere, beyond the realm of music.
He mentioned that he had been given opportunities like recording contracts and invitations to join bands. However, after careful consideration, he became firm in his decision. He declared that he preferred to pursue a career as an actor instead.
I approached my hair as if it were a stage for drama. I could always change my hairstyle. I made sure my hair looked good. Since everyone wanted to stand out, I learned to make sure my hair was noticed.
Tim made the choice to pursue his love for acting by joining various theater companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Glasgow Civic Repertory Company, and the Royal Court Theatre.
Tim Curry – ‘The Rocky Horror Show’
Curry’s portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show with the Royal Court Theatre was outstanding. This role had a significant impact on his career. In 1975, he reprised the role in the Hollywood production of The Rocky Horror Show.
Entertainment Weekly was told by him that he was requested to audition for the role, and he chose to sing “Tutti Frutti,” which seemed fitting. Initially, he portrayed [Frank-N-Furter] as a German, but his perception changed when he saw the extravagant costume. He described it as truly diva-like.
One day on the bus, I overheard a woman speaking in a fancy tone about buying a new house for retirement or a country home. It reminded me of the Queen. The play was a hit right from the start when it opened in a small theater with just 60 seats. Eventually, it made its way to Los Angeles.
The movie Rocky Horror Picture Show was a big hit when it came out in 1975. Tim Curry acted in it with Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn, and Meat Loaf. Even though the movie didn’t win any major awards, it became a favorite among fans and made Tim Curry even more famous.
However, this didn’t imply that he couldn’t be expelled from a movie showing, which is exactly what happened to Curry.
“I was hoping it was going to be a very commercial Warhol movie,” he said. “It was odd because, in fact, I was living in the building behind the Waverly. (cinema) I did go, and I was thrown out because they thought I was an imposter, not actually me. ‘Get out of here’ is exactly what they said.”
Tim avoided discussing the show for a long time because he feared being stereotyped.
Work with Ian McKellen
Curry remained active in both movies and theater. In 1979, there were plans to film a sequel called “Rocky Horror Shows His Heels,” but Tim rejected the concept. By that time, he had honed his singing abilities, releasing albums, going on tours, and regularly appearing in Broadway shows, TV series, and movies.
From 1978 to 1981, Curry put out three albums with A&M Records. Although they weren’t big hits, one of his songs, I Do The Rock, did manage to reach No. 53 on the Billboard charts.
Curry began collaborating with renowned actor Ian McKellen during this period. They both appeared in the successful theatrical production Mozart, which garnered widespread acclaim. Their performances earned them Tony nominations, with Curry considering it one of his most gratifying projects.
After portraying the well-known clown Pennywise in It (1990), he took on the role of a pirate in Muppet Treasure Island six years later. He mentioned that he had a lot of fun working on the latter film.
He mentioned that what is remarkable is that once the initial day or two passes, you no longer perceive them as Muppets. Instead, you view them as characters, just like your fellow actors.
Long John Silver was portrayed by Tim, who considered it a dream come true to work with the Muppets. To add authenticity to his performance, he chose to adopt his grandfather’s West England accent.
Curry mentioned that working on the set with the Muppets was a joyful experience. He noted that the Muppets did not have big egos, which made the atmosphere pleasant and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Tim Curry – stroke & health status
At that time, Curry was unstoppable as he starred in TV shows, movies, and theater plays. He continued singing even in his 60s. However, in 2012, a stroke hit him hard, affecting his life significantly. Luckily, he managed to pull through the ordeal.
Curry’s stroke was allegedly concealed by his family and friends for a whole year, but eventually, news about his health was revealed to the Daily Mail. This stroke led to several years of therapy for the actor and singer, focusing on both physical and speech rehabilitation. Despite the life-altering impact, Tim remained optimistic and believed that he would overcome this challenge.
Humor was crucial for Curry during his stroke recovery.
In 2015, the 69-year-old actor shared with Los Angeles Magazine that he was feeling good and excited about the future. He mentioned his support for the Actors Fund and expressed his wish to not have to rely on it in the future.
He mentioned that keeping it up is not difficult. It’s simply ingrained in who I am.
Tim still goes for physical and speech therapy sessions as part of his ongoing recovery, as mentioned on his website.
Despite experiencing a stroke, he remains determined to continue working and pursuing his passion. Tim currently resides in Los Angeles. As stated in his biography, he has never entered into matrimony and does not have any offspring.
Tim Curry – family, net worth
When he has free time, he enjoys reading books and creating artwork. Additionally, it is widely known that Curry has a strong passion for gardening. He has skillfully designed a stunning garden on his own land and has also worked as an interior designer, developing properties and homes in the Los Angeles region.
Tim’s biography states that he has been attending Conventions since 2016 to meet his fans and take pictures with them. Additionally, he still participates in private autograph signings every month.
Tim has journeyed extensively throughout the United States and Canada, attending major events like Comic Con, MegaCon, GalaxyCon, and Fan eXpo as a special guest.
Tim Curry’s total wealth is estimated to be approximately $14 million, as reported by Celebrity Net Worth.
It brings us joy to witness Tim Curry’s excellent recovery after his stroke.
Kindly consider sharing this article on Facebook with your friends and family as a way to pay tribute to him.
