Tim Curry could not be stopped. His career spanned theatre, TV and film, starring in such classics as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Clue,” “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and “The Three Musketeers.” There was not a role he wasn’t willing to pour himself into, and he transformed right before the audience’s eyes. Following his death, countless tributes have been pouring in, and it’s certainly no surprise. He changed entertainment forever.
For horror fans, Curry defined their taste in horror movies and TV shows from a very young age. Many grew up traumatized by Pennywise in the early ’90s miniseries, while others were struck by his campy performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 cult classic. Here is a rundown of the actor’s iconic horror movies and shows, and where you can watch them.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” defines generations of fans with catchy, bold songs and wonderfully exaggerated performances. Curry’s turn as Frank-N-Furter continues to inspire and transform TV and film. The cast, which includes Susan Sarandon (as Janet), Richard O’Brien (as Riff Raff) and Barry Bostwick (as Brad), delivers wacky characters you’ll never forget. Songs such as “Sweet Transvestite,” “The Time Warp,” “I Can Make You a Man” and “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me” always worm into the brain and get lost.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is now streaming on Prime Video with the Broadway HD add-on.
It
Before Bill Skargård took over the role, Tim Curry terrified audiences all over the world as Pennywise in the 1990 TV miniseries. It’s perhaps where society, collectively, gained a deep fear of clowns. Curry gave a truly diabolical performance as everyone’s favorite red balloon-toting jester. The miniseries might not punch as hard as “It” (2017) and “It: Chapter 2” (2019), in regards to visual style and characters, but there will never be another Pennywise quite as frightening.
“It” is now streaming on HBO Max.
Scary Movie 2
No one understood how comedy worked quite like Tim Curry. In “Scary Movie 2,” he plays Mr. Oldman, a sinister professor with a dark plan. He could deliver both pure terror and slapstick comedy like an acrobat on a tightrope. While slipping into the horror satire, he also delivered his role with remarkable gravitas, giving the film considerable acting weight.
“Scary Movie 2” is now streaming on Paramount+.
Death of Some Salesman Episode of Tales From the Crypt
Tim Curry stars in “Death of Some Salesman,” the Season 5 premiere, often lauded as the best episode, and shows up in three very different roles. He plays Ma, Pa and Winona Brackett, offering up contrasting performances that truly demonstrate his versatility as an actor. A conniving salesman (Ed Begley Jr.) arrives at the wrong house for his money-swindling scheme to find the Brackett family, who have been through this pony show before. The salesman has his work cut out for himself.
“Tales From the Crypt” TV series is now streaming on Shudder.
