Tim Curry Reflects on Missed Iconic Role
Tim Curry, known for his unforgettable roles in film, recently shared a lingering regret about a character he never got to portray. In an interview on The Academy’s YouTube channel, the 79-year-old actor opened up about his impressive 50-year career and expressed disappointment over not being cast as Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs.”
“One of my big regrets is that when I read the script for ‘The Silence of the Lambs,’ I really wanted to play Hannibal Lecter,” he shared. Unfortunately, his agent couldn’t secure an audition, but he acknowledged Anthony Hopkins’ outstanding performance in the role.
Released on Valentine’s Day in 1991, “The Silence of the Lambs” follows FBI cadet Clarice Starling, who must seek help from the imprisoned cannibal Hannibal Lecter, played by Hopkins, to catch another serial killer. The film was a massive success, grossing over $270 million globally, and won multiple awards, including Best Picture. Hopkins and Jodie Foster both took home Academy Awards for their performances.
The director of the film, Jonathan Demme, initially considered Sean Connery for the role of Lecter. However, after reading the script, Connery found it unappealing and turned it down, leading Demme to approach Hopkins instead. Demme had been influenced by Hopkins’ portrayal of a doctor in “The Elephant Man” and believed he would make a perfect Lecter.
Despite missing out on the chance to play Lecter, Curry has left his mark as a cult icon in many other roles. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries “It,” and Wadsworth, the butler, in “Clue.” Additionally, he has voiced characters such as Nigel Thornberry in “The Wild Thornberrys.”
During the same interview, Curry recalled being approached by director Chris Columbus—who was a fan of his music—to audition for the role of Marv in “Home Alone.” Although that part ultimately went to Daniel Stern, Columbus cast Curry in the sequel, “Home Alone 2,” as a concierge. Curry fondly remembered working with a young Macaulay Culkin, noting how the child actor would stay up late watching movies and sometimes doze off in the makeup chair.
He also mentioned that before Jeremy Irons was cast, he was a contender for the villain Scar in Disney’s “The Lion King.” “I wish it had happened,” he mused. Throughout his career, Curry has embraced a variety of roles, each contributing to his lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
