Tim Curry

Current Role

In October 2006, Tim returned to the London stage for the first time in twenty years with Spamalot, at the Palace Theatre. Tim played the role of King Arthur until January 2007 to high acclaim. Tim previously played King Arthur in Chicago and then on Broadway, he said that he was hooked by the demo and score of Spamalot after Eric Idle, the former Python and one of the writers of the show, sent it to him. Tim received his third Tony Award nomination in 2005 for his role as King Arthur.

Early Life

Tim was born on 19th April 1946 in Warrington, Greater Manchester. He lived there until his father died in 1958. Tim then moved to South London, attending Kingswood School. Here he enjoyed singing in the school choir, becoming a talented soprano, and he was later encouraged to develop a mature voice. When he was 19, Tim began a degree in English and Drama at the University of Birmingham, where he later gained a third class.

Career Highlights

Tim's first role was in the extremely controversial 1968 production of 'Hair', released straight after the Lord Chamberlain's theatre censorship was lifted in 1968. Fortunately it was in this production that Curry first met Richard O'Brien, who was soon to write 'The Rocky Horror Show.'

'The Rocky Horror Show' was first opened in London in June 1973 with Tim playing Dr. Frank N. Furter. The musical was a massive success, opening on the Kings Road, Los Angeles and Broadway. Tim filled the role until 1975 when he also carried it over to a film version. 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' initially had unexceptional success, but then it went on to become a massive cult classic which still plays at some cinemas. Tim initially became unnerved about the amount of attention given to his role in the film, but now he is generally much more open about discussing it, explaing, "Any part that makes you world famous has got to be a blessing hasn't it?"

Later theatre roles included the Pirate King in 'The Pirates of Penzance', the title role in 'Amadeus' and Alan Swann in 'My Favourite Year'. Tim received Tony nominations for the two latter roles.

Tim is well known for unusual and diverse supporting film roles, shying away from leading-man status. He played roles ranging from the demonic Lord of Darkness in 1985's 'Legend', a villainous hotel concierge in 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York' (1992) and Captain Long John Silver in 'Muppet Treasure Island' (1996), which he has explained is his favourite role because of the chance to work with Miss Piggy. Additionally, Tim has played in many animated films and television programmes as a voice over artist.

Interesting Facts

• With an established music career, Curry sang backing vocals on Carly Simons 1979 album Spy
• Tim Curry was originally cast as The Joker in Batman: The Animated Series though producers felt his interpretation was too dark and frightening.
• Curry turned down a role in the 1994 film The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert/li>

Awards

• Annie Award nomination
• Several Tony Award nominations
• Daytime Emmy Award
• Theatregoers' Choice Award for Best Actor in a Musical
• Olivier Award nomination