Tim Curry brought an offbeat charm to the characters he played, and since he often played villains, that was an important quality.
Except for Pennywise, the murderous clown in "It." Sure, he was a clown, so he had to have a little humor in him, but it was dark, used to ill purpose. Man, he was terrifying.
Curry, 80, died Tuesday, Aug. 25. He had suffered a serious stroke in 2012.
He had a varied career, including three Tony nominations for his stage work, as well as an Emmy nomination for his appearance in "The Death of Some Salesman," an episode of "Tales from the Crypt" in which he played three characters.
He was wildly prolific, especially before his stroke; he has 245 IMDb credits. These are his best roles.
5. 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' (1992)
This is not exactly a classic of modern
cinema. More like a money grab to take advantage of the massive popularity of "Home Alone" before Macaulay Culkin grew out of the role of Kevin. It's also notable for Donald Trump's cameo. But Curry, who plays the appropriately named Mr. Hector, the concierge at the Plaza Hotel who is suspicious of Kevin, who is staying there on his father's credit card (long story, don't ask) is the best thing about it. It's one of Curry's classic smarm-with-a-smile performances.
How to watch: Stream on Disney+.
4. 'Muppet Treasure Island' (1996)
If there is such a thing as actor Heaven, you get extra points for ever having appeared in a Muppet movie. They're always fun. Of course Curry plays Long John Silver, the notorious pirate, and he plays him with every bit of human muppet energy he can muster. In that regard, it's a role in a film tailor-made for Curry, and he makes the most of it. It's not quite Michael Caine in "The Muppet Christmas Carol," but it's close.
How to watch: Stream on Disney+.
3. 'Clue' (1985)
The film is based on the board game (Mr. Green in the study with a candlestick, etc.) and was famously, or perhaps more accurately infamously, released with three different endings, a sort of homage to all of the possibilities the game offers. Curry plays Wadsworth, the butler, who herds a group of people together and then murders start happening. Whodunit? It depends on which ending. Curry has a grand time of it, his blend of seriousness and comedy perfect for the role.
How to watch: Stream on Paramount+.
2. 'It' (1990)
In Stephen King's novel, the villain, It, isn't really just Pennywise the Dancing Clown. That's just one of many manifestations. But after Curry's indelible performance as the hideous, drain-dwelling, child-killing creature, that's all anyone ever thinks about. And why not? With his New York accent and his gross teeth, Pennywise can cut you up in many different ways. The two-part film series is better dramatically — well, the first film, anyway — but no character in either version is as scarily memorable as Curry as Pennywise.
How to watch: Stream on HBO Max.
Disney+ and HBO Max are now bundled
1. 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' (1975)
There's a reason why Curry's obituaries begin with this role. Truly one of the more unforgettable characters in movies, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the self-described "sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania," is the actor's signature role. (And like many of Curry's roles, his performance is better than the movie.) Curry originated the role on stage and brought it to the 1975 film, which sputtered at the box office before becoming a midnight-movie cult classic, benefiting greatly from what you might call audience participation. If you've never dressed up as a character and tossed toast at the screen ("A toast..."), you're really missing out. Let's do the time warp, indeed.
How to watch: Buy or rent on Apple TV or Prime Video.
Reach Goodykoontz at bill.goodykoontz@arizonarepublic.com. Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. Media commentary with a side of snark? Sign up for The Watchlist newsletter with Bill Goodykoontz.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Tim Curry movies and TV that best showcased his oddball talents
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
