The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Tim Curry, with several names already sharing their reactions to the legendary actor’s passing. For some of them, Curry wasn’t just another famous actor—his work had a pretty big impact on them personally.
Curry passed away late Tuesday night at his Los Angeles home at the age of 80, according to TMZ. Police responded to the home at 11:23 PM, with no foul play suspected. Former WWE star Joe Gacy was among those who reacted to the news, making it pretty clear how much Curry meant to him.
“This is the worst news that could possibly come out. One of the best.”
Kayla Braxton took the news especially hard. She credited Curry with being the reason she became a horror fan and specifically pointed to his unforgettable performance as Pennywise in the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s It.
“I just …. This one hurts me just as bad as the last one. He is why I’m a horror fan. Devastated. Got to see him speak last year at a showing of Rocky Horror and so glad I did. He’s my Pennywise. And I’ll forever credit my horror fandom to him. Thanks for everything, Tim!”
Indie wrestler AKIRA took to Twitter kept his reaction much shorter: “Such devastation…” Willow Nightingale also reacted to Curry’s passing while she was still reeling from Dolly Parton’s death yesterday: “First Dolly, now Frank N Furter?! ENOUGH”
Curry’s career stretched across more than five decades, but two performances in particular turned him into a pop-culture icon. He played Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and terrified an entire generation as Pennywise in It. His credits also included Clue, Annie, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Hunt for Red October and Muppet Treasure Island.
Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012 and dealt with serious health problems in the years that followed, but his work clearly stuck with generations of fans—including plenty inside the wrestling business.
What is your favorite Tim Curry role or memory? Let us know in the comments.
