Following his portrayal as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Rocky Horror Picture Show, Tim Curry rose to fame as a cult favorite. The English singer-actor began his journey to Hollywood on the stage; he has now been performing on stage for more than 40 years.
When Tim had a stroke in 2012, his life underwent a significant change. Thankfully, he lived, but the 76-year-old had to attend physical and speech therapy for many years.
How is Tim Curry spending his day now? And how is he faring following his stroke? Here is everything you need to know!
On April 19, 1946, Tim Curry was born in Grappenhall, England. His mother, Patricia, worked as a school secretary, and his father, James, was a Methodist priest in the Royal Navy.
Tim Curry’s formative years
Tim’s family relocated to Hong Kong when he was just a baby. Tragically, his father suffered a stroke there. His family eventually returned to Plymouth, England. He spent a lot of time with his nearby maternal grandfather (and, coincidentally, helped him in a role later on in life).
Tim demonstrated promising singing talent, which was related to his father’s involvement with the church. Tim began singing in his local church at the age of six, and four years later, he was a Shakespearean actor.
Curry’s family moved to London after his father passed away.
He went to the Bath boarding school Kingswood School and seemed destined from an early age for a career in show business. Tim continued his education in theater at Birmingham University after graduating. He earned a diploma in drama and theater studies in 1968.
Curry resided in a home with actor, screenwriter, and director Patrick Barlow while he was a student in Birmingham. Curry was a talented singer at the time, as was already acknowledged. His acting, though, hadn’t fully surfaced yet.
Curry was essentially regarded as a major solo star.
According to Barlow, who spoke to The Guardian, “I recall being stunned by his wonderful singing voice – it was simply utterly beautiful, just something he was born with – it came prepared.”
We would attend university parties and end up drinking and doing other things when he would start singing with his amazing bluesy voice.
Curry, Barlow, and a few other pals were riding in a car one day toward London after graduating in 1968. Because Tim was not an Actors’ Equity member, the Birmingham Repertory Theater had refused to let him in. He was gonna attempt to achieve his dream in a different manner instead.
None of the group members knew what to anticipate, but the objective was to join a street theater group in Chalk Farm. As previously said, Tim’s voice had been his signature in his early career, and in just his first day in London, he had secured his first professional position.
“Someone had told us about it — none of us really know how to get in anything in those days. I was the only one who stayed when we arrived, of course,” Barlow recalled.
“The following day, Tim and Judy were hired by Hair. Judy only needed to say, “Hello, I’m here,” and Tim only needed to sing.
Although he narrowly missed being cast in the adored but divisive rock opera Hair, it was Tim’s first professional role was as a member of the original London cast.
Curry was asked about his professional experience and whether he had an Equity card (signifying he was a member of the Actors’ Equity Association) during his audition. On his website, Tim claimed to have lied about both.
Producers were “sufficiently pleased” by his talent and presence even though they soon learned he lacked professional experience and an Equity card. They eventually sponsored him for union membership as a result.
“I wanted to perform the Sodomy, Fellatio song, but I ended up simply bouncing around with the group towards the back. It was an extremely odd production. If someone believed they would stay home or was a little stoned, they just didn’t show up. I, however, was a tremendous trooper. I was constantly there,” Tim said.
Tim Curry became famous right away thanks to his hair. He was still unsure of his career goals, though. He had a strong desire to sing, but he also wanted to work as an actor. Tim claimed that he was given the chance to join music groups and was offered recording contracts in an interview with the LA Times. However, his true love was elsewhere.
“I received offers to do stuff, sign recording contracts, and join groups. But as I pondered it, I became pretty irritable. I’ve made up my mind that I want to be an actor,” he remarked.
Tim Curry’s health after a stroke
Curry had by this time made appearances in movies, television shows, and plays. Nothing could stop him. He continued to sing into his 60s. But tragedy struck in 2012 when the beloved performer had a stroke. Thankfully, he lived, but the experience had a significant impact on his life.
Curry’s stroke was apparently kept a secret by family and friends for a year, but eventually the media learned of his condition. The actor and singer needed years of physical and linguistic treatment as a result of the stroke. Even though it drastically altered Tim’s life, he remained optimistic that he would survive.
Curry’s sense of humor was “essential” to his recovery from the stroke.
The 69-year-old actor told Los Angeles Magazine in 2015, “I’m doing great and I’m looking forward to it.” “I’ve performed at a few Actors Fund events, and I believe it’s a fantastic organization. I really hope I never have to use it.”
“It’s not difficult to maintain,” he continued. “It’s simply a part of my DNA.”
According to his website, Tim is still receiving physical and verbal treatment as he works on his recovery.
We are overjoyed to learn that Tim Curry is recovering well from his stroke.
