On Thursday, Tim Curry, the renowned British actor, was spotted in Los Angeles with his caretaker in a rare public appearance. Known for his memorable performance in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 79-year-old was seen pushing a wheelchair through the sunny city streets outside a Gelson’s supermarket. One of his infrequent public appearances in recent years, he looked upbeat and wore a red T-shirt with long sleeves.
After a severe stroke at his California home in 2012, Curry’s public profile has been relatively low. He was originally rendered dumb and largely paralysed by the medical emergency, which compelled the well-known actor to distance himself from the limelight.
Curry had already established a successful and diverse career in theatre, film, and television at the age of 66. He has mainly stayed out of the spotlight ever then, making only a few appearances and interviews.
Tim Curry was praised for his charm and flexibility before to his stroke. He originally achieved widespread recognition in 1975 for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The role of a stylish mad scientist first appeared on stage in London in 1973, then made its way to Broadway before being immortalised on film.
Despite the role’s ongoing cult status, Curry acknowledged that his relationship with it is complex. “It’s neither a blessing nor a curse,” he said, reflecting on its legacy with what he called “a sort of bemused tolerance” in an interview with Los Angeles Magazine. I got it by chance.
For years, Curry refrained from discussing Rocky Horror too much out of concern for the typecasting that frequently accompanies such legendary roles. He claimed that although his Broadway debut was exciting, he was disappointed by the negative reviews. He claimed that when he appeared on the Today Show the following day, they read the terrible reviews.
“I was depressed by that. It was really unkind. At the time, critics used colourful language to characterise his portrayal, comparing him to a variety of people, including Joan Crawford, Marc Bolan, David Bowie, Mick Jagger, and Burt Lancaster.
Beyond Rocky Horror, Curry’s acting career remained strong, frequently showcasing his theatrical flair while portraying quirky or evil characters. In 1990’s Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, he portrayed Mr. Hector, the dubious hotel concierge who believes Kevin McCallister is up to no good.
This was one of his most famous appearances for the general public. Even though he didn’t play a major part, Curry’s portrayal of Mr. Hector made him one of the most recognisable characters from the follow-up.
In a rare public acknowledgement of his contributions to the performing arts after his stroke, Tim Curry received The Actors Fund Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2015 Tony Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles. He hasn’t made many appearances since, but his admirers all across the world still think highly of him because of his innovative work and 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 calm times.
