Guardian readers have shared their memories of Tim Curry, the actor best known for his roles in The Rocky Horror Show and Stephen King's It, describing his unique blend of humour, high camp, and danger.
Early encounters and lasting impressions
Margaret Carradus from Lancaster first saw Curry in the 1978 series Will Shakespeare, where he played Shakespeare alongside Nicholas Clay. She recalled: "Tim Curry always had a glorious glint in his eye which drew you in as if you were the only person who understood."
Mary Donaghy from New York described a chance meeting outside The Dakota building while holding her poodle, Honey. Curry placed his hand under the dog's chin and said: "She looks like a delicious peppermint!" She called it "quite a delightful exchange."
A career of iconic roles
Jo Glanville from London remembered spotting Curry in a florist decades ago and telling him she was a fan. He was buying flowers for the cast of his show as first night presents, and filled the back of his car with them.
Robert E Moore from Los Angeles recalled being captivated and terrified by Curry as the grand wizard in The Worst Witch as a child. His favourite role, however, was Wadsworth in Clue, noting: "No other actor could have pulled that role off with its endless dialogue and frenzied physical comedy requirements."
Personal significance and lasting legacy
Lilly, 22, from Penrith, described how The Rocky Horror Picture Show was important to her as a queer person, particularly the role of Frank-N-Furter. She said: "Even at the end of his life, he played a role in my self acceptance. As my mobility and speech declined, he showed me I can still be an icon and contribute to the world."
Joe Guzman, 63, from Japan, first saw the film as a teenager in the Chicagoland area and later shared it with friends in Japan. He praised Curry's ability to "embody the wildest characters and give them enough depth that you enjoyed them, even if you didn't like them."
Gill from East Sussex worked as Pamela Stephenson's dresser on The Pirates of Penzance in 1982, starring Curry as the Pirate King. During a performance, her young nephew shouted support from the audience, and Curry replied: "Well said, my man!"
Edward Marlowe, 52, from London, met Curry twice at the stage door of the Palace theatre during Spamalot in 2006. He signed Marlowe's Rocky Horror memorabilia, completing a collection of four signatures on an 8x10 of the throne scene. Marlowe said: "Speaking to such a hero can be an intimidating experience: there's a risk they will disappoint. Curry never did."
