On April 19, Tim Curry turns 79—and let’s be honest, the man deserves a standing ovation. Over the past five decades, Curry has played everything from glam-rock aliens to murderous clowns, somehow making every role feel like it was written just for him. His mix of theatrical flair, razor-sharp timing, and total commitment to the weirdest characters imaginable has made him a true legend of stage and screen.
So whether you’re a lifelong fan or just realizing that yes, that was him in all those movies, now’s the perfect time to celebrate. These five Tim Curry performances are absolute must-watches—fun, freaky, and unforgettable.
1. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
If you only know Tim Curry from one role, chances are it’s this one. His performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the stuff of pop culture legend. Decked out in fishnets, heels, and a whole lot of attitude, Curry turned this gender-bending alien mad scientist into one of the most iconic characters in movie history.
This 1975 musical wasn’t a big hit when it first dropped, but thanks to midnight screenings and a fiercely devoted fanbase, it became a full-blown cult sensation. And Tim Curry? He’s the reason why. He doesn’t just play Frank—he owns the room. Every smirk, strut, and belt-it-out song is dripping with confidence and chaos in equal measure.
What makes his performance so unforgettable is how seriously he takes it. Frank-N-Furter is campy, yes—but Curry gives him heart. There’s sadness underneath the sparkle, which somehow makes him even more magnetic. Decades later, people still show up in costume to watch Rocky Horror on the big screen, shouting back lines and throwing toast. That kind of staying power doesn’t happen without a lead actor who brought everything—and then some.
2. Clue (1985)
No one does manic energy quite like Tim Curry, and in Clue, he’s absolutely on fire. Playing Wadsworth the butler, Curry somehow manages to be the glue holding together a movie that’s one long, glorious spiral into chaos. He darts from room to room, spits out rapid-fire dialogue, and delivers one of the most hilarious “here’s-what-really-happened” monologues in movie history—without ever breaking a sweat.
Clue may have been a box office flop when it came out, but thanks to home video and cable reruns, it earned cult status over time. And a huge reason for that? Tim Curry, hands down. He doesn’t just play Wadsworth—he runs the place, like a game show host on the verge of losing his mind.
The movie’s also famous for having three different endings, and Curry sells every single one like his life depends on it. Fun fact: his physical performance during filming was so intense, he reportedly had to see the on-set nurse more than once. But you’d never know it—he looks like he’s having the time of his life. And honestly, so are we.
3. It (1990)
If you grew up in the ’90s, Tim Curry as Pennywise the Clown probably ruined your sleep—and your trust in storm drains—for years. This two-part TV miniseries, based on Stephen King’s novel, may feel dated in places now, but Curry’s performance still hits like a nightmare you can’t quite shake. He doesn’t need special effects to scare you—just a grin, a giggle, and those dead-serious eyes.
Pennywise is a shape-shifting monster who feeds on fear, but it’s Curry’s version that really got under people’s skin. He flips from cartoonish charm to full-on menace in seconds, making the character way more disturbing than any CGI could. And the wildest part? He barely wore prosthetics. That’s just Tim Curry’s face—and acting—doing all the heavy lifting.
Sure, Bill Skarsgård gave us a newer version in the more recent films, but for a whole generation, Tim Curry is still the definitive Pennywise. And honestly? He probably always will be.
4. Legend (1985)
In Ridley Scott’s dark fantasy Legend, Tim Curry plays the literal devil—horns, hooves, and all. As the Lord of Darkness, he’s buried under hours of prosthetic makeup, but somehow, his performance still blasts through. That booming voice. That hypnotic presence. That villainous charisma. He’s the reason people still talk about this movie, even if they don’t remember much else about it.
The behind-the-scenes stuff is wild too: the costume was so heavy and intense, Curry once had to quit the set mid-shoot and soak in an ice bath just to peel it off. But he never let it show. Even under 80 pounds of latex, he commands every frame he’s in like he’s doing Shakespeare from the underworld.
Legend might not have been a box office hit, but it’s developed a loyal cult following over the years—and Tim Curry’s devil is a big reason why. It’s one of the most visually striking roles he’s ever taken on, and easily one of the most memorable.
5. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992)
And now for something completely different. In Home Alone 2, Tim Curry swaps evil clown makeup and fantasy horns for a sleek hotel concierge suit—and somehow still manages to be hilariously sinister. His character, Mr. Hector, is snooty, suspicious, and absolutely determined to catch Kevin McCallister in the act. Spoiler: he doesn’t.
What makes Curry so great here is how much fun he’s clearly having. He plays the role with this perfect mix of smugness and slapstick, turning what could’ve been a throwaway part into a total scene-stealer. His sneer? Iconic. That exaggerated smile when Kevin uses his dad’s voice on the talkback? Gold.
It’s one of his few family-friendly roles that still lets his personality shine through—and even though he’s not in a ton of scenes, you always remember him. Because that’s the thing with Tim Curry: no matter the genre or runtime, he always makes an impression.
Final Thoughts
Whether he’s making you laugh, scream, or sing along in fishnets, Tim Curry has a way of owning every moment he’s on screen. His performances are bold, bizarre, and completely unforgettable—which is exactly why they’ve stood the test of time.
So as he celebrates his 79th birthday, there’s no better way to honor the man than by revisiting the roles that made him a legend. Pop some popcorn, queue up a few of these favorites, and prepare to be completely charmed (or terrified) all over again.
Happy birthday, Tim. Thanks for the magic.
