Remembering Tim Curry

The world suffered an immeasurable loss when legendary actor Tim Curry passed away at age 80, August 25, 2026. Audiences around the world remember Curry for numerous films across his storied career, notably including his performance in Clue, Annie, Muppet Treasure Island, and, of course, his wonderfully campy performance as Pennywise in the TV adaptation of Stephen King's IT. Despite this long list of cinematic accomplishments, Curry's legacy is most notably tied to his cult classic cinematic debut, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Truly a performance that needs no introduction, Curry's Dr. Frank-N-Furter is the role that most defined his career. In a nod to the niche horror films of yesteryear, the movie is an unwaveringly campy romp through Frank-N-Furter's castle, with homages paid to the Frankenstein movies, as well as the classic Hammer Films productions, shot at the very castle you see in the movie. However, the film is largely remembered for its unapologetically queer themes, which were quite revolutionary at the time. These queer themes were largely carried through Curry's performance, complete with drag and a pansexuality that can only be described as relentless. Despite the movie being a commercial flop, Dr. Frank-N-Furter won over queer audiences around the globe. The liberatory story of a character shunned by his 'home,' then designing his own queer paradise, inspired and touched many. The motto of 'Don't Dream It, Be It' hit home for audience members who felt unable to be their true selves. The movie became a lightning rod for those who felt ostracized by the world around them. This theme shines through most memorably in one of the final songs of the film, the powerful 'I'm Going Home,' during which Curry's character looks back at their life and reminisces on how far they have come. The midnight showings of the film only add to the cult classic status of the film among queer folks. After several months of these showings, communities began to form around them, complete with scripted 'callbacks' for returning audience members to participate in. Dressing in drag became encouraged at the showings, allowing many to express their true selves in a way they never felt able to before. For many, the midnight showings were the only places they could safely be openly queer, and not have to hide who they were from those around them. The showings also became a place for queer communities to fundraise for causes near to them, and to organize and raise awareness around problems facing the queer community. The loss of Curry, coupled with the tragic loss of Dolly Parton that same day, has deeply impacted millions. Both phenomenally talented in their own right, they refused to rest on their laurels. They led with passion and care, resulting in generation-defining performances from both in their respective fields. They also used their positions of celebrity to speak out for queer folk around the globe by calling attention to the discrimination queer folk face, along with creating a safe space in their art as an escape from an often intolerant world. Support Student Media Please consider donating to support student media and help fund the future of Journalism. Donate