The 7 Secrets Tim Curry Revealed About Playing Pennywise—And Why He 'Loathed' The Iconic Role

Decades after terrifying a generation as Pennywise the Dancing Clown, legendary actor Tim Curry has finally pulled back the curtain on one of the most iconic horror performances in television history. For years, fans have speculated about his experience on the set of the 1990 miniseries *It*, and now, through his recent memoir *Vagabond*, the actor has shared a surprisingly candid view of the role that cemented his place in the horror pantheon. His revelations, which include a genuine "loathing" for the character and the physical toll of the production, provide a fresh, updated perspective for fans in late 2025.

The enduring legacy of Curry's Pennywise is a testament to his sheer acting talent, but his own feelings about the character are far more complex than many realize. From the grueling makeup sessions to his surprising reaction to the modern film adaptations, the full story of his time as the shape-shifting entity known as It is a fascinating look behind the scenes of a horror classic.

Tim Curry: Biography and Current Status

Timothy James Curry is an English actor, singer, and composer, widely regarded as one of the great character actors of his generation. His career spans film, television, and the stage, often featuring memorable, theatrical, and villainous roles.

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• Full Name: Timothy James Curry
• Born: April 19, 1946 (Age 79 as of late 2025)
• Birthplace: Grappenhall, Cheshire, England
• Parents: James Curry (Methodist Naval Chaplain) and Maura 'Pat' Curry
• Key Roles: Dr. Frank-N-Furter in *The Rocky Horror Picture Show* (1975), Rooster in *Annie* (1982), Wadsworth in *Clue* (1985), The Darkness in *Legend* (1985), and Pennywise the Dancing Clown in *It* (1990).
• Current Status: Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012, which has left him using a wheelchair and affected his speech. Despite this, he continues his career through voice acting and public appearances, including fan conventions. He released his memoir, *Vagabond*, in 2024.

The Physical and Psychological Burden of Pennywise

While his performance as Pennywise the Dancing Clown is universally praised for its unsettling charm and menace, Curry’s experience on the set of the 1990 miniseries *It* was far from comfortable. The actor recently detailed the physical and psychological toll the role took, revealing a deep-seated aversion that informed his unique portrayal.

1. The Pre-Existing "Loathing" of Clowns

One of the most surprising revelations from his memoir, *Vagabond*, is that Curry already had a strong distaste for clowns before accepting the role. He admitted that the part "made me uncomfortable" and that he "didn’t revel" in the work.

This pre-existing aversion to the figures of fun may have inadvertently fueled the raw, unhinged quality of his performance. The discomfort he felt was channelled into a portrayal that was less a cartoon villain and more a genuine, predatory entity that simply chose the form of a clown.

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2. The Grueling Makeup Process

Curry’s minimalist makeup in the 1990 adaptation is often cited as a key factor in its success, allowing his own expressions to shine through. However, the process was still a significant burden. The actor had previously endured five-and-a-half hours of daily makeup to play the Lord of Darkness in the film *Legend*.

For Pennywise, the application involved thick layers of white face paint, latex appliances, and yellow teeth. This heavy costume and makeup, while less extensive than other roles, was described by Curry as feeling like a "heavy burden," contributing to his overall dislike for the experience.

3. Disappointment with the Miniseries' Ending

Like many fans of Stephen King’s novel, Curry reportedly shared a disappointment with the miniseries’ controversial finale. The climactic battle where the Losers' Club fights a giant, stop-motion spider—the true form of It—was widely criticized as an anticlimax.

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Curry’s phenomenal performance throughout the two-part television event set a high bar that the special effects of 1990 simply couldn't match, leaving both the actor and the audience wanting more from the final confrontation.

Tim Curry’s Candid Reaction to the New Pennywise

When director Andy Muschietti announced a new cinematic adaptation of *It* in 2017, the inevitable comparison to Tim Curry’s iconic role began immediately. Bill Skarsgård was cast as the new Pennywise, opting for a more monstrous, CGI-enhanced look with a larger forehead and unsettling drool. Curry’s reaction to this new iteration was one of genuine curiosity and respect.

4. He Was "Fascinated" by Bill Skarsgård’s Take

In interviews following the release of *It: Chapter One* and *It: Chapter Two*, Tim Curry expressed his thoughts on the new version. He stated that he was "fascinated" by Bill Skarsgård's portrayal, acknowledging the distinct differences between the two performances.

Skarsgård’s Pennywise leaned heavily into the creature’s ancient, alien nature, using physical contortions and digital effects to create a truly disturbing monster. Curry's version, by contrast, relied on his theatrical background and menacing vocal performance to create a more human, manipulative, and deceptively charming villain.

5. The Key Difference: Theatricality vs. Monstrosity

Curry’s Pennywise was a classic example of an actor’s performance dominating the special effects. Director Tommy Lee Wallace intentionally kept the makeup minimal to allow Curry’s natural charisma and terrifying voice to be the focus.

The result was a clown that felt like a predatory man, making his interactions with the children, known as the Losers' Club, intensely personal and deeply unsettling. Skarsgård's version, while terrifying, was immediately recognizable as a non-human monster, a key difference that Curry appreciated.

The Undeniable Legacy of Tim Curry’s Performance

Despite his personal discomfort with the role and the physical demands of the production, Tim Curry’s Pennywise remains the definitive version for millions of fans who grew up watching the 1990 miniseries. His performance is a masterclass in theatrical horror, influencing an entire generation of horror actors and filmmakers.

6. The Enduring Power of Minimalist Horror

The success of the 1990 miniseries is largely attributed to Curry’s ability to sell the horror with minimal prosthetics. The makeup-FX supervisor, Bart Mixon, worked to ensure the focus remained on the actor’s face, a decision that proved crucial.

Curry’s famous, sinister laugh and his ability to switch instantly from playful to purely malevolent created moments of terror that didn't rely on jump scares or digital effects. This minimalist approach has given his version a timeless quality that continues to resonate with audiences today.

7. A Continuing Public Connection to the Role

Even after his stroke, Curry has maintained a connection to his fans and his most famous roles. His memoir, *Vagabond*, serves as a final, comprehensive reflection on a career filled with iconic characters, and Pennywise is central to that narrative.

While he may not have "loved" the experience, the role of Pennywise the Dancing Clown forever solidified Tim Curry as a master of the macabre, a legacy he now reflects on with a wry, honest perspective that only he can provide.