The renowned British actor Tim Curry was spotted in Los Angeles on Thursday with his carer, in a rare public appearance. The 79-year-old, who is most remembered for his memorable performance in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, was seen pushing a wheelchair through the sunny city streets outside a Gelson’s grocery. He made one of his infrequent public appearances in recent years, looking happy and wearing a long-sleeved red T-shirt.
Curry had a significant stroke at his California home in 2012, which has reduced his public presence. The well-known actor was forced to withdraw from the spotlight due to a medical issue that left him partially paralysed and at first unable to speak.
Curry was 66 years old at the time and had already established a successful and diverse career in theatre, television, and movies. With barely a few appearances and interviews since, he has mostly stayed out of the spotlight.
Tim Curry, who initially achieved worldwide recognition in 1975 for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, was praised for his charm and versatility before to his stroke. Before being immortalised on screen, the role—a mad scientist with flair—was first played in the 1973 London stage production and then on Broadway.
Curry acknowledged that he had a complex relationship with the role, despite its ongoing cult status. He considered its legacy with what he called “a sort of bemused tolerance” in an interview with Los Angeles Magazine, saying, “It’s neither a blessing nor a curse.” I was fortunate to receive it.
Curry refrained from discussing Rocky Horror extensively for years because he was afraid of the typecasting that frequently accompanies such legendary performances. He claimed he was disappointed by the negative reviews, but he remembered his Broadway debut as exciting.
He remarked, “They read the reviews, which were terrible, and I had to go on the Today Show the next day.” That depressed me. It was really harsh. His performance was colourfully praised by critics at the time, who compared him to a variety of people, including Joan Crawford, Marc Bolan, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Burt Lancaster.
Beyond Rocky Horror, Curry maintained a strong acting career, frequently playing quirky or evil roles with a touch of theatre. His portrayal of Mr. Hector, the dubious hotel concierge who believes Kevin McCallister is up to no good, in 1990’s Home Alone 2: Lost in New York stands out as one of his most remembered appearances for general audiences. Despite not having a major part, Mr. Hector became as one of the most identifiable characters from the follow-up, and Curry’s emotional performance made him a favourite.
Tim Curry’s efforts to the performing arts after his stroke were celebrated in a rare public setting in 2015 when he received The Actors Fund Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tony Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles. Despite the fact that he hasn’t made many appearances since, he is still highly regarded by admirers worldwide for both his innovative work and his fortitude in the face of hardship.
His recent visit to Los Angeles is a kind reminder of a performer whose brilliance made a lasting impression on stage and cinema and whose presence continues to reverberate, even during quiet times.