Actor Tim Curry, who recently passed away at the age of 80, previously revealed that he needed to be hospitalized following a scene in one of his most popular movies. Curry explained that a memorable scene from “Clue” proved to be so physically demanding he ended up in hospital suffering from exhaustion.
The actor made the revelation earlier this year when looking back at the cult classic comedy film as part of its 40th anniversary celebrations. Curry portrayed the part of Wadsworth, the butler in the film, taking on the starring role as the guests attempt to figure out who is murdering members of the group.
In a conversation with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Curry explained that he was taken to the hospital when he reported feeling unwell on set and was found to have high blood pressure caused by the stress he experienced during filming.
Tim Curry Was Taken to the Hospital While Making ‘Clue’
During the retrospective discussion, various items are taken out of the Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library that have significance to Curry’s career. At one point, a daily production report surfaced that revealed the actor was taken to hospital due to complaints that he was not feeling well when shooting wrapped. According to the report, tests conducted by a doctor confirmed that he had high blood pressure and was suffering from exhaustion.
The incident occurred during the filming of one of the best known scenes from “Clue,” when Curry’s character re-enacts the various murders that have taken place in the mansion. Wadsworth rushes from room to room as he connects all of the events that have taken place before offering a series of potential plausible conclusions.
“That was the day we shot me running around demonstrating each murder,” recalled Curry. He went on to say that the process was “exhausting” and says he was “verklempt,” a Yiddish word suggesting he was overcome and unable to speak.
Other production notes from the film also indicated that there were four possible endings in the original script, although only three of these were ultimately released. Curry spoke about how that ending saw him carrying out the various killings but that the filmmakers decided against using it.
“There was one ending where I did all the murder, and of course that was my favorite,” said Curry. “They never released that ending because they thought it was too obvious.”
Tim Curry Suffered a Major Stroke Decades Later
Curry went on to face more serious health problems later in his life. In 2012, he suffered a major stroke that left him paralyzed and unable to speak. Although he was eventually able to regain his speech through rehabilitation, he was left needing to use a wheelchair for the rest of his life.
The actor continued to work throughout his life. He most often found roles as a voice actor providing the voices of dozens of characters in film and television. Curry was also a regular attendee of conventions and events, meeting fans and taking part in panels.
A year before he died, Curry also spoke out about his feelings about his life coming to an end, stating he was not scared of dying. “I don’t fear death,” Curry said. “I suspect that at some point I’ll welcome it. I think there is something comforting about saying goodbye.”
His death was announced on August 26, although his manager revealed that he had actually passed away the previous day following a period of ill health. No cause of death was provided.
