Among the many famous faces remembering Tim Curry following the beloved actor’s death at 80, the Muppets have now paid their own fitting tribute.
Curry famously joined Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppet gang as the camp and theatrical Long John Silver in 1996’s “Muppet Treasure Island.” The film became a much-loved classic, with his performance one of the most celebrated of his career.
Now his former co-stars have effectively made him one of their own as they marked his death. “Few humans have earned the title of honorary Muppet more than the legendary Tim Curry,” the Muppets wrote in a social media tribute.
“As a performer he was unparalleled — witty, charming, unnerving, and deeply funny.”
The Muppets Call Tim Curry an ‘Honorary Muppet’
The Muppets’ tribute specifically celebrated Curry’s memorable turn as Long John Silver in the musical comedy film.
“As a performer he was unparalleled — witty, charming, unnerving, and deeply funny,” The Muppets added. “We will always consider it one of our greatest treasures to have been part of Long John Silver’s crew. Thank you for everything, Tim.”
Those words were accompanied by a series of images of Curry in the film, surrounded by the rest of the human and Muppet cast.
There’s a long-running internet myth suggesting that Curry approached his role in “Muppet Treasure Island” as if he himself were a Muppet. Fans point to Michael Caine’s contrasting performance in “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” where the actor portrayed Ebenezer Scrooge in a serious manner as if he was in a traditional dramatic role. Curry’s more over-the-top acting is seen as evidence that he behaved in the opposite way, behaving like a Muppet himself.
While aware of the comparison, Curry rejected the suggestion that he’d deliberately approached Long John Silver that way. Whatever the case, Curry’s outlandish performance fits perfectly with the more swashbuckling nature of the movie.
Tim Curry Called ‘Muppet Treasure Island’ His Favorite Film Experience
Curry wrote in his memoir “Vagabond” that making “Muppet Treasure Island” was “the most delightful cinematic experience” he’d had. He has also spoken candidly about his fond memory of making the movie and expressed a desire to work on a similar project again.
As reported by People, Curry said of working with the Muppets and puppeteers, “I would love to work with the Muppets again. The great thing is that the Muppeteers themselves, if they have their puppet on their hand, they only talk to you as the character. I love that.”
Tim Curry Dies at 80
Curry died peacefully at his Los Angeles home on August 25, his longtime manager Marcia Hurwitz confirmed. No cause of death was immediately disclosed. He had suffered from a series of health conditions in recent years, following a serious stroke in 2012.
Tributes have poured in from across his extraordinary career, including “Clue” co-stars Michael McKean and Lesley Ann Warren, “Annie” star Carol Burnett, and “Rocky Horror” performers Susan Sarandon, Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell.
