The BBC has been criticised by viewers for its brief tribute to English actor Tim Curry, who died at the age of 80 on August 25. News of his death was announced on Wednesday, August 26, with his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz saying he passed away peacefully.
Brief BBC News report sparks backlash
The BBC paid tribute to Curry with a 30-second report on BBC News at Six, which aired around five minutes before the programme ended. This was followed by a three-minute tribute to country music legend Dolly Parton, who also died aged 80 on August 25 following a brief battle with cancer. The same reports aired again hours later on BBC News at Ten.
Earlier in the day, BBC Breakfast dedicated its entire programme to honouring and celebrating Dolly's life following her death. This prompted viewers to draw comparisons between the tributes, with many criticising the BBC for what they perceived as a lack of coverage of Curry's death.
Viewers express anger over coverage
One viewer fumed on social media: "@BBCBreaking I have to say how disgusted and shocked and your lack of coverage on tonight’s 10pm bbc news you gave for the sad passing of actor Tim Curry, 30 secs.. and straight to 3 minutes of Dolly Parton tributes over the word 24 hours later…sorry but that’s so out of order."
Another responded: "And nothing on BBC Breakfast News this morning either!" A third said: "@BBCNews I know you own the rights to Dolly Parton live at Glastonbury but British actor Tim Curry died too..... Any time to mention him?"
A fourth echoed: "BBCNews So that’s it, a 30 second report on the death of Tim Curry? He’s due more than a fleeting mention surely." Another furious fan posted: "Tim Curry has died, 5 seconds on BBC News, then back to Dolly Parton, both 80 years of age, both had great careers and yet Dolly gets 2 whole days of coverage. Come on @BBC sort it out, yes everyone loves Dolly Parton, but Tim Curry was a huge part of my life growing up."
Legacy of Tim Curry
A sixth added: "Well, have to say, @BBCNews coverage of Tim Curry’s passing on the 6 o’clock news was rather tragically pathetic! Hope they put something better together for later news items. #timcurry." Someone else raged: "Oh what have the @BBC done for Tim Curry? F***ing hardly any mention at all. Disgraceful. Do better @BBCNews."
The Rocky Horror Picture Show star, who had suffered from significant health problems since a major stroke in 2012 left him unable to walk, died at his home in Los Angeles. Announcing his death with a heartfelt tribute, Hurwitz said: "Throughout his life, he refused to be boxed in or confined to others’ expectations" and noted that across five decades, he moved fluidly between comedy, horror, drama, and music, delighting himself and his legion of fans with his countless dynamic personas.
The statement continued: "He is, depending on who you ask, the definitive Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the definitive Pennywise, the man who made a butler’s death-scene monologue in Clue an all-time comedic bit, or simply ‘that unforgettable voice’ from a beloved cartoon of someone’s childhood. Few actors can claim to have left as many distinct fingerprints on pop culture and though he suffered a debilitating stroke in 2012, he continued adding to his achievements as an artist and, most recently, a writer."
Hurwitz added: "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, both of which remained open and filled with anticipation until his final breath."
