Tim Curry's Favorite Movie Role Will Absolutely Surprise You
With a career full of unforgettable villains and campy heroes, Tim Curry has left his mark on Hollywood. From Dr. Frank-N-Furter to Pennywise, his roles are legendary. But which performance does the actor himself hold dearest? The answer is not what anyone would expect and involves some very famous puppets.
Tim Curry has built a legacy on playing characters who are delightfully wicked, often with a theatrical flair that's impossible to ignore. Many people's first encounter with his unique brand of performance was The Rocky Horror Picture Show. That film left an indelible mark on audiences, whether it was a moment of profound connection or sheer, jaw-dropping bewilderment. It's hard to picture any other actor from that era—think of the big names of 1975 like Harrison Ford or Robert De Niro—stepping into the fishnets and corset of Dr. Frank-N-Furter to belt out ‘Sweet Transvestite’. While the thought is amusing, it's clear that only Curry possessed the audacity and raw talent to make that character an icon, cementing his place in cinematic history.
A Career Beyond Typecasting
Because of his distinctive style, Curry was never shoehorned into the mold of a conventional Hollywood protagonist. His immense skill set was too broad to be confined to a single type of character. Over the decades, he has captivated different generations of filmgoers with memorable supporting parts in a wide array of movies, from the musical Annie and the holiday comedy Home Alone 2 to the tense thriller The Hunt for Red October and the cult classic Clue. Yet, among this eclectic filmography, his own personal choice for his most cherished work is quite unexpected.
Sailing with the Muppets
In a 2025 interview with The Guardian, the actor shared that he has a particular affection for Jim Henson's creations. “I would love to work with the Muppets again,” Curry stated, fondly recalling his time making Muppet Treasure Island in 1996. He explained that the best part of the production was how the puppeteers remained completely in character whenever the puppets were on their hands. “I love that,” he remarked, also noting that his top character was Miss Piggy.
In that whimsical musical take on Robert Louis Stevenson's 1883 novel, the star of Rocky Horror portrayed the smooth-talking pirate Long John Silver. True to form, Curry delivered a performance that was both menacing and charming, a duality that has become a signature element across his incredibly varied body of work. The fact that he could be so sinister while surrounded by felt co-stars is a testament to his craft.