While the late Tim Curry was widely loved for his live action roles in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Clue,” he also lent his voice to several animated roles.
He began voicing Nigel Thornberry on Nickelodeon’s “The Wild Thornberrys” in 1998, entertaining children everywhere.
Even though Tim Curry had many more famous roles, Nigel Thornberry held a tremendously special place in his heart until his final days. He even reflected on the role in his memoir, “Vagabond.”
Tim Curry Brought the Iconic Nigel Thornberry to Life
“The Wild Thornberrys” ran on Nickelodeon from 1998 through 2004, spanning 91 episodes, one television movie, and two theatrical films. The beloved series followed the Thornberry family, wildlife conservationists who traveled around the world and filmed content for their documentary show.
Tim Curry starred as the goofy family patriarch, Nigel Thornberry. Hallmark actress Lacey Chabert played his daughter, Eliza.
“Go on, treat yourself. Sound ON 🔊 Tim Curry as Nigel Thornberry in ‘The Wild Thornberrys,'” the official Tim Curry Instagram account shared just weeks before his passing. The clip featured some of Nigel’s greatest moments on the beloved Nickelodeon series.
In the comments, many viewers admitted they never realized Tim Curry played the iconic character.
“I love Tim Curry. I love Nigel. Is it INSANE that I never realised Tim played Nigel?! I kinda never even thought about the idea that anyone voiced Nigel, he’s just so real it must have subliminally felt like a thought crime to even consider he was a ”character,’ 😂” one fan quipped in the comments.
“This was such a great show and Nigel was such a wonderful character. My fave line was in response to, are you ok, he says ‘I’m fine, it’s just pain!’ 😂” another added.
“Thank you for everything you have done Tim. Absolutely adore you in every way! 🖤🫂” another Instagram user thanked the late actor.
The ‘Wild Thornberrys’ Star Loved Voice Acting
After Tim Curry’s stroke in 2012, he largely stepped back from physical performances. Instead, he focused heavier on voice acting once he regained the ability to speak.
Even before the stroke, the actor felt passionately about the characters he brought to life, especially Nigel Thornberry.
“I felt so privileged to pour so much of myself into the esteemed Sir Nigel Thornberry. The character was a different kind of challenge, and so delightful; of all the voice roles I’ve taken on, this was one of the ones that meant the most to me,” Tim Curry wrote in his memoir, “Vagabond,” as reported by PEOPLE.
“I love that Nigel is so oddly naive, and he takes fatherhood so seriously and amusingly and rather sweetly,” the actor continued. “He adores his children and truly wants to be the best he can be for them, sort of like a Steve Irwin figure. I also felt deeply connected to him through our mutual love of nature and preservation, even if he was tackling the wild and I was primarily tackling weeds in my garden at home.”
Fans can stream “The Wild Thornberrys” on Paramount+.
