Tim Curry is a British actor and singer who's been active since 1968. Renowned for his versatility and distinctive voice, Curry rose to fame with his iconic portrayal of gender-bending Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Leaving an undeniable mark on queer culture, this role showcased the actor's ability to blend camp with charm.

Tim Curry is also a voice and stage actor with a lot of experience. He voiced Nigel in the beloved animation series The Wild Thornberries and Emperor Palpatine in several Star Wars video games. And he delivered acclaimed performances in theater productions such as Amadeus and Spamalot. When it comes to movies, Curry never limited himself based on his first big role. He went on to appear in movies of many different genres, including family comedies like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and the spy thriller The Hunt for Red October. Despite facing health challenges in recent years and stepping away from the job, Tim Curry's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and peers alike.

10 Charlie’s Angels Was a Successful Reboot

Role: Roger Corwin

Charlie's Angels starring Lucy Liu, Cameron Diaz and Drew Barrymore is the 2000 reboot of the 1970s television series of the same name. The movie follows the trio of female private investigators working for the enigmatic Charlie Townsend. The film's blend of action, comedy and female empowerment struck a chord with audiences, leading to commercial success and a sequel.

Tim Curry features as Roger Corwin, the unscrupulous owner of Redstar Technologies. Corwin is initially presented as a potential ally to the Angels, but it soon becomes clear that he is deeply entangled in the crime plot at the film's core. Curry's portrayal of Corwin showcases his signature ability to infuse villainous roles with charm and charisma.

9 Oscar Is Stallone’s Reinvention

Role: Dr. Thornton Poole

Oscar is a 1991 comedy directed by John Landis and starring Sylvester Stallone in a role that defied and reinvented his public image. The film is inspired by screwball comedies and follows Angelo "Snaps" Provolone, a mobster trying to go straight according to his dying father's wish. The movie unfolds over the course of a single day, filled with a series of misunderstandings and a cast of eccentric characters.

Tim Curry plays Dr. Thornton Poole, a linguistics professor hired by Snaps to educate him on becoming a more refined gentleman. His character is initially unaware of Snaps' criminal background and becomes increasingly entangled in the chaotic events around him. Curry brings a powerful blend of sophistication and comedic timing to the role. He balances the over-the-top performances of other actors in the cast with a more subtle style of acting, which also proves his own versatility as someone who became known for a campy, over-the-top character.

8 Muppet Treasure Island Makes Curry an Iconic Pirate

Role: Long John Silver

The 1996 film Muppet Treasure Island is an adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel Treasure Island, infused with the unique charm and humor of The Muppets. Tim Curry stars as the antagonist pirate Long John Silver, alongside Muppet favorites such as Kermit the Frog as Captain Smollett, Miss Piggy as Benjamina Gunn and Gonzo and Rizzo as themselves. The story follows young Jim Hawkins, who discovers a treasure map and sets off on an adventure to find the buried riches. The movie is celebrated for its lively musical numbers, witty dialogue and engaging storytelling, with Curry's performance as a standout highlight.

Tim Curry's portrayal of Long John Silver proves once again his talent for campy, whimsical roles. Curry brings a magnetic presence to the screen, balancing the character's charm and villainous actions. Curry’s interactions with the Muppet characters are hilarious, particularly in his scenes with Kermit and Miss Piggy. His rendition of the song A Professional Pirate in the movie is particularly memorable, showcasing his impressive singing voice and theatrical flair.

7 The Hunt for Red October Is Based on True Events

Role: Dr. Petrov

The Hunt for Red October is a 1990 spy film starring Sean Connery as Captain Marko Ramius, a Soviet submarine commander who plans to defect to the United States with his state-of-the-art nuclear submarine named The Red October. The gripping Cold War thriller is based on Tom Clancy's best-selling novel of the same name. The movie's intense narrative and strategic cat-and-mouse game in the ocean create a compelling and suspenseful atmosphere.

Tim Curry plays Dr. Yevgeniy Petrov, the medical officer aboard the Red October. Although his role is relatively minor compared to the main characters, Curry's portrayal of Dr. Petrov is significant in the context of the story. As the submarine's doctor, Petrov is initially unaware of Captain Ramius's plans to defect and is caught in the tension and uncertainty that permeates the vessel. Curry's performance adds to the film's sense of claustrophobia and mistrust, as his character navigates the complex dynamics among the submarine's officers and crew.

6 Home Alone 2: Lost in New York Is a Great Sequel

Role: Mr. Hector

Not every sequel is as good as the first installment, but that's exactly the case with Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. The 1992 comedy movie stars Macaulay Culkin as the witty Kevin McCallister in another adventure fighting criminals when accidentally left behind by his family. This time, he's stuck in New York during Christmas. Armed with his father's credit card, Kevin checks into the lavish Plaza Hotel and enjoys the city until encountering a familiar pair of burglars who have escaped prison.

Tim Curry plays Mr. Hector, the concierge at the Plaza Hotel. Suspicious about Kevin's movements, Mr. Hector is one of the funniest characters in the movie. His exaggerated expressions and reactions are funny but also somewhat threatening, especially during the scenes where he confronts Kevin. His interactions with other hotel staff, including Rob Schneider as the bellman Cedric, create some of the most amusing moments in the movie. Despite the film's focus on Kevin's adventures and the antics of Harry and Marv, Mr. Hector stands out due to Tim Curry's distinctive performance.

5 Annie Is a Film Version of the Broadway Classic

Role: Rooster Hannigan

The 1982 John Huston musical film Annie is an adaptation of the popular Broadway musical based on the comic strip Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray. The story follows a red-haired orphan named Annie, who dreams of finding her parents. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she is chosen to spend the Christmas holiday with the wealthy industrialist Oliver Warbucks, portrayed by Albert Finney.

Tim Curry stars as the villainous Miss Hannigan's scheming brother Rooster, who becomes one of the primary antagonists in the film. Rooster and his girlfriend Lily St. Regis plot to kidnap Annie and claim a reward by pretending to be her long-lost parents. Curry's portrayal of Rooster is eccentric and energetic, and is highlighted in the musical number Easy Street.

Role: Wadsworth

The 1985 film Clue is a unique adaptation of the popular board game of the same name. Set in 1954, the movie is a murder mystery comedy that follows a group of six strangers who are invited to a secluded mansion for a dinner party where a murder suddenly takes place. Clue is notable for its multiple endings, a refreshing narrative concept at the time.

Tim Curry's ability to adapt his performance to suit these varying conclusions adds an extra layer of quality to the film. He plays the mansion's butler, Wadsworth. The butler initially appears to be a mere servant for the evening, but he becomes the driving force behind the investigation as the plot unfolds. Curry's comedic timing and expressive acting are on full display, especially in scenes where he meticulously reconstructs the night's events in a high-energy manner, making him the most compelling actor in the movie.

3 Kinsey Is the Sexologist’s Biopic

Role: Thurman Rice

The 2004 biographical drama Kinsey explores the life and work of pioneering sexologist Dr. Alfred Kinsey, whose research in the mid-20th century revolutionized the study of human sexuality. Liam Neeson stars as Alfred Kinsey, depicting his journey from a biology professor to a controversial figure due to his groundbreaking discoveries on human sexual behavior. The film highlights the challenges he faced, including societal backlash and academic scrutiny.

Tim Curry plays the skeptical Thurman Rice, a colleague of Kinsey who represents the more conservative people within the academic community. As a traditionalist, Dr. Rice is openly critical of Kinsey's methods and the explicit nature of his research. Curry's character helps to frame the broader societal context in which Kinsey was working, emphasizing the courage and determination required to challenge deeply entrenched beliefs about sexuality. While not as prominent as some of his other roles, this performance further proves Tim Curry's ability to adapt to any type of character.

2 It Is One of Stephen King’s Most Famous Stories

Role: Pennywise

The 1990 version of Stephen King's It is originally a television miniseries, re-released as a 3-hour long television movie. A landmark in the horror genre, the story is set in a small town where a shape-shifting entity terrorizes a group of children. The evil entity often takes the form of Pennywise, a creepy clown.

Tim Curry's portrayal of Pennywise the Clown is iconic and widely regarded as one of his most memorable performances. The supernatural evil monster heavily contrasts with the nature of most other roles Curry had played before, which once again shows his ability to completely embody any film style and genre. Pennywise may have been updated to a creepier version for modern times in the 2012 remake, but Tim Curry's image as the clown is still considered the unmistakable symbol of It.

1 The Rocky Horror Picture Show Is Unlike Any Other Movie

Role: Dr. Frank-N-Furter

It's impossible not to place Tim Curry's most famous and beloved movie in the first spot. The 1975 musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a cult classic today, celebrated by fans all over the world. The comedy horror film is full of eccentric characters, catchy musical numbers and unapologetic displays of sexuality and self-expression. Adapted from Richard O'Brien's stage musical, the film follows a newly engaged couple who stumble upon the bizarre mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter during a stormy night. He's a mad scientist from another planet in the midst of finishing up his ultimate creation, called Rocky Horror.

Tim Curry's portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter is legendary, and the character became a timeless queer icon. As the sweet transvestite scientist, Curry exudes a seductive charm that captivates both the characters and the audience. It was Curry's first lead role in a feature film, so it catapulted him into fame and praise in Hollywood. Although he has had a diverse and impressive career, The Rocky Horror Picture Show remains his best and one of the world's best movies of all time.