Tim Curry Reflects on Roles He Missed and Those That Made Him a Cult Icon

Tim Curry, known for his portrayal of some of cinema’s most memorable characters, recently shared that there’s one role he missed out on that still troubles him. In a conversation on “The Academy” YouTube channel, the 79-year-old actor discussed his extensive five-decade career, revealing his disappointment over never being considered for a part in one of cinema’s iconic films.

“One of my great regrets is that I read the script of ‘Silence of the Lambs’ and I desperately wanted to play Hannibal Lecter,” Curry admitted. “My agent couldn’t get me in the room, but Tony Hopkins did a great job,” he acknowledged. Anthony Hopkins went on to portray Hannibal Lecter, delivering a performance that became legendary.

“The Silence of the Lambs,” released on Valentine’s Day in 1991, revolves around Clarice Starling, an FBI cadet who seeks help from imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter to catch another serial killer.

The psychological thriller featured Anthony Hopkins as Lecter and Jodie Foster as Starling, grossing over $270 million globally and earning five Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Hopkins.

Hopkins later recalled thinking “The Silence of the Lambs” was a children’s movie upon first hearing about it. However, once he read the script, he quickly changed his mind, describing it as the best he’d ever read. Director Jonathan Demme, in a talk at the 2015 Austin Film Festival, explained that Sean Connery had initially been considered for Lecter’s role, but Connery found the script repulsive. Demme then turned to Hopkins, who had impressed him with his previous work.

Although Curry missed out on the role of Lecter, he has graced the screen with a plethora of iconic characters. He became a cult icon with his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” He further cemented his legendary status with performances as the eerie clown Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries “It,” and the spirited butler Wadsworth in “Clue.” His diverse roles also include playing the demonic “Darkness” in “Legend,” Rooster Hannigan in “Annie,” and Long John Silver in “Muppet Treasure Island.” His voice contributions are equally notable, especially his role as Nigel Thornberry in “The Wild Thornberrys.”

During his interview on “The Academy” channel, Curry discussed other parts he auditioned for but did not secure. Among these was the role of the burglar Marv in “Home Alone,” a part that eventually went to Daniel Stern. Instead, director Chris Columbus cast him as Mr. Hector in “Home Alone: 2.” Curry fondly remembered working alongside a young Macaulay Culkin, admiring the child’s professionalism on set.

Curry was also considered for the role of the villainous lion Scar in the successful 1994 Disney animated film “The Lion King,” before Jeremy Irons was cast for the part. Reflecting on these experiences, Curry expressed that it would have been lovely to take on such an iconic role.