'Rocky Horror,' 'Clue' star Tim Curry has passed away

Tim Curry, the English actor and singer who played Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has passed away at age 80.

Curry studied drama at the University of Birmingham before making his professional splash in the London production of Hair (1968).

He immortalized the "sweet transvestite" Dr. Frank-N-Furter on stage in 1973 and in the 1975 film adaptation, creating an enduring symbol of queer cinema and midnight-movie culture.

Beyond "Rocky Horror," Curry captivated audiences as the fast-talking butler Wadsworth in "Clue" (1985), the Lord of Darkness in "Legend" (1985), and the definitive, terrifying Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's "It."

He earned three Tony Award nominations for his powerhouse performances in "Amadeus," "My Favorite Year" and as King Arthur in "Spamalot."