Tim Curry’s legacy spans screen and stage.

Curry died Aug. 25 at his home in Los Angeles. A prolific film star, Curry accumulated over 200 stage and screen credits across a momentous 60-year career. Curry, alongside his film roles, was a notable voice-over and theater actor.

Read on to learn about Daily Bruin Arts contributors’ selections for Tim Curry’s most iconic productions.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975)

Tim Curry gave himself over to “absolute pleasure” and changed cinema forever.

In 1973, Curry started the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show” at Royal Court Theatre in London. His exceptional performance led him to reprise the role in the musical’s 1975 film adaptation. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” initially made little noise at the box office, but as the film’s tradition of midnight screenings took off, a cultural phenomenon was born. Audiences couldn’t get enough of Curry, and 50 years later, they still do the “Time Warp” every night just to see him light up the big screen.

When Curry stepped off the elevator in “Sweet Transvestite,” he stepped straight into pop culture history. Dressed in a corset, fishnets and pearls, Curry oozed charisma. His performance was a masterclass in running in heels and having chemistry with everyone in sight, but it was his ability to blend that campy, chaotic energy with his delivery of the climactic tearjerker “I’m Going Home” that made him a true marvel of an actor.

Curry rose-tinted the world with a timeless message: “Don’t dream it. Be it.”

– Kiara Mack

[Related: TV Preview: Cozy up this fall with classics, final installments coming to the small screen]

“Clue” (1985)

We know who did it, where and with what: It was Curry, in “Clue,” delivering the performance of a lifetime.

Curry’s starring role as the butler Wadsworth in this one-of-a-kind whodunnit, farcical comedy is equal parts hilarious, dramatic and technically impressive. The character has roughly twice as many lines as any other, with Curry reportedly being taken to the hospital for high blood pressure after filming the end of the movie, where Wadsworth runs around demonstrating each murder and brilliantly recreating the entire film – a true testament to the actor’s dedication and skill.

While originally a financial flop – due at least in part to its three alternate endings shown at different theaters – the film rightfully became a cult classic through home video, where all three endings are played in order. With Curry’s death, many fans have called for the release of the fourth ending where Wadsworth is the sole murderer – which the actor said was his favorite – but details about its existence in any form are largely speculative based on cast interviews. Regardless of whether the fourth ending ever sees the light of day, what audiences do have of Curry in “Clue” is nothing short of comedic genius.

To make a long story short: There could be no “Clue” without Curry.

– Caitlin Brockenbrow

“It” (1990)

Curry’s standout role startled and scared audiences on the small screen.

Curry starred as Pennywise in the 1990 TV adaptation of Stephen King’s “It.” Donning a red wig, clown makeup and a costume composed of vibrant greens, purples and yellows, Pennywise hunts down a group of outcast kids determined to defeat him. Curry’s chilling performance blended playfulness and enthusiasm with bloodlust and terror, instilling a fear of clowns into a generation of viewers.

Famous for his iconic villain performances, such as the Lord of Darkness in “Legend” (1985) or the con artist Rooster Hannigan in “Annie” (1982), Curry’s Pennywise remains the clear highlight. The fluidity of his performance, which director Tommy Lee Wallace said was full of improvisation, managed to terrify even Curry himself, who was famously afraid of clowns. He was surprised by the enduring nature of his performance, writing in his memoir that he never imagined how memorable Pennywise would be.

Thirty-six years later, Curry’s performance still lures children and audiences alike with his balloons.

– Julia Kinion