Tim Curry... The Departure of the 'Evil Clown'

British actor Tim Curry, best known for his portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the classic musical film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has died at the age of 80.

Curry, who had suffered from health problems for more than a decade, died at his home in Los Angeles following a stroke, TMZ reported, citing unnamed sources.

Curry originated the role of the mad scientist in stage productions of “Rocky Horror” before reprising it in the 1975 film, which continues to be screened regularly in midnight movie showings more than 50 years after its release.

Among his most notable roles was that of the evil clown Pennywise in a 1990 television miniseries adapted from Stephen King’s novel “It.” He also appeared in films such as “Annie,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Muppet Treasure Island,” and “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.”

Curry’s distinguished theatrical career, which began in the 1960s, included performances at the Royal Court and Citizens Theatres, where he performed works by playwrights such as William Shakespeare and Tom Stoppard.