Tim Curry and Visibility

Losing yet another legend is never not painful, especially when this particular legend meant so much to my people (Millennials). Timothy James Curry died on August 25^th 2026 at age 80.

Remembered fondly for his dulcet tones that he loaned to several iconic characters such as Long John Silver (Muppet Treasure Island 1996) and, of course, Dr Frank-N-Furter (The Rocky Horror Picture Show 1975). And let us not forget Curry’s titillating role as the antagonist Hexxus in FernGully: The Last Rainforest (1992). Interestingly Hexxus has been credited as being a lot of Millennial’s sexual awakening, which is particularly impressive as Hexxus is literally the personification of pollution…he does have a sixpack though I suppose. Curry also used his showstopping singing voice to sing Hexxus’s banger of a villain song; ‘Toxic Love’ (still on my playlist!). Curry didn’t need to go as hard for a children’s film soundtrack, but he did. He did it for us.

Curry’s roster of iconic characters is laudable but his influence on the life’s of his audience goes well beyond mere entertainment. Particularly those in the LGBTQA+ community. Frank-N-Furter has been a queer sex symbol pretty much since his conception in the original London based musical The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1973 (where he was still played by Tim Curry). The original play was born out of the push for sexual liberation that started in 1960’s. One prominent New York based critic said the production was ‘only for homosexuals’. The play was strictly counter culture but the film adaption meant that it would (eventually) reach a wider audience.

Dr Frank-N-Furter was loud, brash, and unapologetically queer. The breakout role told generations of queer and questioning youth that it was ok to be who you are and take up space. This was at a time where queer coded characters were only supposed to be hinted at, despite this Curry said he never received any backlash for his role as Dr Frank-N-Furter. Curry imbued nearly all of his roles with a fun campness and a certain Bowie-esque swag which worked well as he mainly played villains. Biting sarcasm and a knowing wink to the camera there was something so uniquely British and lovable about Curry’s characters. With such mass appeal Curry was able to get away with more whether it was having a torrid affair with a Miss Piggy or making somewhat orgasmic noises during a song in a kids movie. Tim Curry’s characters became heroes for the self-proclaimed weirdos!

In 2012 at age 67 Curry unfortunately suffered a severe stroke which required brain surgery. The stroke left him paralysed on his left side and he had to relearn how to talk and adapt to life in a wheelchair. Showing amazing resilience Curry returned to Hollywood doing mainly voice roles and even some acting. Curry described it himself as “…still showing up” (The Guardian, 2025) still with the same smooth voice, cheeky smile, and taking up space.

Many disability advocates have hailed Curry as a disabled icon. He may have described his wheelchair as “silly” but he utilised it to continue his legacy without outward shame or self-pity. Again, and without a hint of patronisation, Curry gave disenfranchised  groups someone like them to look up to. Someone smart, funny, talented, and oozing sex appeal.

Tim Curry will be remembered not only for his plethora of characters but more importantly for his acceptance, advocacy, and celebration of the outsider.