Tim Curry, the British actor best known for his iconic role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show,’ has died at 80 in Los Angeles. He passed away peacefully at his home, according to his manager. Curry’s death was confirmed by police and fire department officials, who responded to a medical emergency at his home on Tuesday night.

A Legacy of Iconic Roles

Curry first gained international fame in 1975 with his role as the flamboyant and androgynous Dr. Frank-N-Furter in ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show.’ The film initially failed with critics but became a cult classic and a staple of midnight movie screenings. His performance was major in making the film a cultural phenomenon, much like ‘The Room’ would be decades later.

Among his other notable roles, Curry played the terrifying clown Pennywise in the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s ‘It,’ and the sinister Lord of Darkness in Ridley Scott’s ‘Legend.’ He also appeared in films such as ‘Annie,’ ‘Clue,’ ‘The Hunt for Red October,’ ‘Muppet Treasure Island,’ and ‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.’

Health Struggles and Personal Life

Curry’s health had been declining in recent years. In 2012, he suffered a major stroke that required brain surgery, and he had been unable to walk as of last year, according to his memoir ‘Vagabond,’ released around that time. He had also dealt with ongoing medical issues since then.

Curry was born in 1946 in Cheshire, England, and spent part of his childhood in Hong Kong due to his father’s military career. He studied acting at the University of Birmingham and began his stage career in the 1960s, joining the Royal Shakespeare Company before rising to fame in ‘The Rocky Horror Show.’

Cultural Impact and Accolades

Curry’s work in theater earned him three Tony nominations and an Emmy nod over the course of his 50-year career. He was also a respected figure in the LGBTQ+ community, with his portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter becoming an enduring symbol of queer culture.

In his personal life, Curry was described as having a curious and expansive mind, with a generous and gentle heart. His manager noted that these qualities remained with him until the end. ‘Though widely known for his inimitable, flamboyant characters and colorful stage performances, his greatest legacies to those who knew him were his curious, expansive mind and generous, gentle heart,’ his manager said in a statement.