Oddball English actor Tim Curry, known for playing eccentric personalities like Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and crafty villains like Mr. Hector in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” died on Wednesday.
It was confirmed by his manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz that Curry died peacefully at his Toluca Lake home. He was 80 years old.
Curry’s filmography spanned across a wide range of movie and television roles, including media for more mature audiences as well as movies perfect for entertaining kids and families.
The actor was known for his versatility across a variety of roles and his cartoonish expressions.
As the world pays tribute to the beloved and iconic actor, here is a look at five of Curry’s best roles in family-friendly movies.
‘Clue’ (1985)
Summary: “Six guests are anonymously invited to a strange mansion for dinner, but after their host is killed, they must cooperate with the staff to identify the murderer as the bodies pile up.”
Curry’s role: Curry plays Wadsworth, the energetic and fast-talking butler.
Where to watch: Streaming on YouTube and Paramount+; available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
‘Home Alone 2: Lost in New York’ (1992)
Summary: “Kevin McCallister is in New York City with enough money to turn the Big Apple into his own playground! But Kevin won’t be alone for long. The notorious Wet Bandits, Harry and Marv, still smarting from their last encounter with Kevin, are bound for New York too, plotting a huge holiday heist. Kevin’s ready to welcome them with a battery of booby traps the bumbling bandits will never forget.”
Curry’s role: Curry plays Mr. Hector, the concierge at the Plaza Hotel who is trying to catch Kevin McCallister, who is staying at the hotel without his parents.
Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+ and Hulu; available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
‘Annie’ (1982)
Summary: “‘Annie’ is the story of a plucky, red-haired girl who dreams of life outside her dreary orphanage. One day, Annie is chosen to stay for one week with the famous billionaire ‘Daddy’ Warbucks. One week turns into many and the only person standing in the way of Annie’s fun is Miss Hannigan, the gin-soaked ruler of the orphanage. Will Miss Hannigan’s zany attempts to kidnap the irrepressible Annie succeed?”
Curry’s role: Curry plays Miss Hannigan’s con-man brother Rooster, who teams up with his girlfriend to pose as Annie’s long-lost parents and claim a $50,000 reward.
Where to watch: Streaming on YouTube; available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
‘Muppet Treasure Island’ (1996)
Summary: “Get ready for hilarity on the high seas with Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and all the Muppets in this exciting first-ever action-adventure, inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic pirate tale. When young Jim Hawkins inherits a long-lost treasure map, he hires the great ship Hispaniola to seek his fortune. With the good Captain Smollet at the helm — and greedy Long John Silver at the heart of a dastardly plot — they set sail for adventure only to discover danger at every turn.”
Curry’s role: Curry plays the pirate Long John Silver.
Where to watch: Streaming on Disney+ and Hulu; available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.
‘Barbie in the Nutcracker’ (2001)
Summary: “Barbie gives life to the plucky young girl, Clara, as she narrates the fascinating story of the Nutcracker to her younger sister, Kelly. When Clara receives a lustrous wooden nutcracker from Aunt Elizabeth Drosselmeyer as a Christmas present, that same night, the magical toy comes to life to protect her from the army of the evil Mouse King. However, the invader manages to shrink her to toy size. Now, Clara and her defender, the brave Nutcracker, embark on a marvelous adventure, in search of the beautiful Sugarplum Princess — the only one capable of breaking the spell.”
Curry’s role: Curry voices the Mouse King. He is also in “Barbie and the Three Musketeers” as the voice of Philippe, the main villain.
Where to watch: Available to rent or buy on Amazon Prime Video or Apple TV.