Top 10 Tim Curry Performances

#10: Daniel ‘Rooster’ Hannigan “Annie” (1982)

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In this 1982 film based on the 1977 Broadway musical, Tim Curry plays Daniel “Rooster” Hannigan, the brother of Carol Burnett’s evil orphanage manager. While it’s one of his lesser-known roles, Curry established many of his classic trademarks here. He flexed his sadistic creep muscles and also busted out some impressive vocals in the song “Easy Street,” helping to make “Annie” a great adaptation. Through this performance, Curry showed the world that nobody plays a sleazy conman better than him. He’s an actor who just has so much fun being villainous and it shows!

#9: Long John Silver “Muppet Treasure Island” (1996)

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Tim Curry and The Muppets? Now there’s a match made in heaven! Curry plays the conniving, but charismatic, one-legged pirate known as Long John Silver. While he is initially kind and friendly towards young Jim Hawkins, it’s revealed that he is actually deceptive and only using him for his master plan. This performance showed audiences that Curry could effectively alternate between being your loving neighbor to a complete scoundrel. Plus, it’s pretty remarkable how Curry manages to be even livelier than his fabric co-stars!

With a star-studded cast like this, it might’ve been easy to forget Tim Curry was actually in “The Three Musketeers.” But with a performance, like the one he gives, that’s impossible. In this action-adventure flick, Curry portrays the malevolent Cardinal Richelieu, the man who disbands the Musketeers to take over the land. Curry holds his own against the likes of Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O’Donnell, and Oliver Platt with plenty of comedic quips and lots of yelling. His performance comes complete with all the cheesy ‘90s flair that we grew up loving.

#7: Mr. Hector “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” (1992)

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Starring opposite Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci, Curry portrays yet another character that takes great pleasure in being quite the Grinch. In “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” he plays Mr. Hector, the Plaza Hotel concierge who’s out to get Kevin. It’s actually kind of disappointing that he doesn’t have more screen time here. Even when given a minor supporting character, however, Curry commands every scene he’s in and makes the role his own. What else can be said except, “[we] love you!”

Through his first major voiceover role in animated feature film, Curry intoxicates the audience as the infectiously devious Hexxus. This gargantuan toxic gas monster hell-bent on destroying the rainforest is filled with all of Curry’s signature tropes. Corrupted and twisted villain? Check. Comedic? Check. Amazing singing voice? Check and mate. This is most likely the first time you were introduced to the likeness of Tim Curry through the soothing sound of his voice, and if you were anything like us you needed to see more. Anyone up for a little toxic love?

#5: Billy Flynn [aka ‘The Prince of Darkness’] “Criminal Minds” (2005-)

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In one of Curry’s most noteworthy live-action television appearances, he portrays a serial killing sociopath and rapist named Billy Flynn. Billy was the main antagonist in two stellar episodes of “Criminal Minds.” While he is not well educated, he is smart enough to plan home invasions and get away with murder. He has racked up an impressive list of kills, with over 200 victims. Although his character was short-lived, Curry definitely made Billy unforgettable and left us wanting even more.

In this dark fantasy, Curry plays the Lord of Darkness, the equivalent of Satan in the “Legend” world. Curry’s first non-comedic villain in film, he turns Darkness into an even more sadistic, yet unique, portrayal of the demon lord. He creates a Devil-like character that is actually likeable, despite being a baddie. While the film was a commercial bomb, Curry was praised for his performance and the kickass makeup effects that transformed him received an Oscar nomination. Curry stands out with every role he takes on, but Darkness demonstrates that he could also be completely unrecognizable in them.

Even in a film based on a board game, Curry gives it his all and turns in an enormously entertaining performance as Mr. Boddy’s butler, Wadsworth. Curry takes on this role with ease, approaching it with his dry, yet logical, humor and fast-talking wit. While the film was a commercial and a critical bomb upon release, “Clue” has become a cult hit much like many of Curry’s other projects. This is largely thanks to the film’s killer ensemble cast, though Curry steals the whole show. How many bullets were in that gun? We lost count.

#2: Pennywise “It” (1990)

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This wisecracking clown from the TV miniseries based on the Stephen King novel is nightmare fuel for many millennials, as well as people who are afraid of clowns. While Pennywise was already designed to be creepy and scary, Curry turns an evil inter-dimensional entity into a sadistic murderer that specializes in terrifying children. What makes this even more frightening is that real life serial killer, John Wayne Gacy, reportedly influenced Curry’s Pennywise. Along with “It” developing a cult following, critics praised Curry’s performance for making us laugh and scream. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. Professor Oldman “Scary Movie 2” (2001) The Grand Wizard “The Worst Witch” (1986) Herkermer Homolka “Congo” (1995)

Are you a sweet transvestite? Dr. Frank N. Furter isn’t afraid to say yes. An extraterrestrial scientist and proud Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania, Curry takes an already over-the-top character and puts him on another level entirely. Curry’s first major role resulted in a highly quotable cult phenomenon that is still confusing the hell out of teenagers. This unique character elevated Curry’s career early, putting him center stage in the most well-known midnight movie of all time.