Rosie O'Donnell, Carol Burnett, Michael McKean and more pay tribute to Tim Curry after his death

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Stars are remembering Tim Curry, the English actor whose performances in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', 'It', 'Clue', and 'Annie' left a lasting impact on generations of audiences and performers.

Curry died on Wednesday, August 26, at age 80, prompting tributes from actors who worked alongside him and admired his career. Many remembered Curry for his talent, kindness, and fearless performances, reflecting on the lasting impact he had on audiences and fellow performers.

Carol Burnett, Kiefer Sutherland, Luke Evans and others remember Tim Curry

Carol Burnett, who starred alongside Curry in the 1982 film 'Annie', remembered their time working together in an Instagram post. “We had such a wonderful time working together on Annie,” she wrote alongside a clip from the film. “Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend. I was blessed to know him.”

Rosie O'Donnell also paid tribute to Curry on Instagram, writing, “Sweetest man,” while Kiefer Sutherland, who co-starred with Curry in Disney’s 'The Three Musketeers' (1993), shared a remembrance in a statement to Deadline.

“Tim Curry was someone I cared deeply about, he was someone I loved working with and I am so lucky to have these memories… Rest in peace, my friend,” Sutherland wrote.

Luke Evans, who recently completed a seven-month Broadway run in 'The Rocky Horror Show' as Dr Frank-N-Furter, the role Curry originated, shared a tribute on Instagram. Evans also revealed that he had written a letter to Curry three weeks earlier and wanted to share it.

“He was a force, a bright fierce flame, an exquisite charm and that rich vocal tone, he was an inspiration to me and so many more people for the roles he played and the effect he had on so many of us,” Evans wrote. His letter included a thank-you to Curry for his fearless performance, for creating something enduring and for inspiring generations of actors to be braver. He signed the message, “With admiration, Luke x.”

Michael McKean, who starred with Curry in 'Clue', remembered their final conversation as being about “life and love and laughter.” He also referenced the physical state Curry had endured following his 2012 stroke, writing that the grim physical condition had ended and calling it a blessing, while adding, “Our blessing was that we had Tim Curry in our lives. RIP, my friend.”

Lesley Anne Warren, another 'Clue' co-star, remembered Curry as her “dear companion in crime” and a “brilliant, hilarious, hysterically funny” artist. She described sharing a sound stage and engaging with such a master talent as an “unbelievable joy,” adding, “I adored him. Bless his wild and inspired soul. Love you Tim.”

Jillian Bell also shared an emotional tribute, recalling his performance during the final 10 minutes of 'Clue.' She described it as her favorite movie and credited Curry with showing her that character actors could be “wild and outrageous” and have fun.

Bell also remembered how he terrified audiences in 'It,' made them laugh in 'Clue' and 'Home Alone 2,' and made them sing in 'Annie' and 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'. She also recalled meeting him once and finding him as “sweet and cheeky” as she had hoped.

Elaine Hendrix also remembered working with Curry in the 1990s on 'Lover’s Knot'. In an Instagram tribute, she called him “THE kindest man,” recalled being a huge fan after discovering 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' in high school, and described him as “What a talent. What a gentleman. What an honor.”

Hank Azaria paid tribute to Curry on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Another legend lost. What an honor and joy to have worked alongside Tim Curry in Spamalot back in the day.” The duo starred in the original 2005 Broadway cast of the hit musical 'Spamalot', with Curry playing King Arthur and Azaria as Sir Lancelot. 

Jennifer Tilly also shared her tribute to Curry on X, recalling their work together in a staged reading of 'All About Eve' for the Actor’s Fund. She wrote, "He played the most cutting incisive Addison DeWitt I’ve ever seen, and brought the house down. Later he told me, that night lit a fire under him.”

"He said he went home and swam in the pool at midnight and looked at the stars and wondered what he was doing with his life. Shortly after that I heard he was starring on Broadway in a Tony nominated role in Spamalot. A brilliant comedic actor. Gone too soon," she added.