Tim Curry has released a memoir called Vagabond, which mentions how his most famous role as Pennywise did not feel fun. The actor-singer reflects on his role in the 1990 miniseries It. He explains that the character sat oddly with him. He felt excited because the whole thing posed a challenge to him, but it wasn’t something he celebrated.
Tim Curry on playing Pennywise in the 1999 It miniseries
Tim Curry writes in his memoir that he has a fear of clowns, and that is why he did not enjoy playing Pennywise. The actor explains, “Not quite to the extent that I literally couldn’t look at myself in the mirror, as has often been reported, but I certainly didn’t delight in my reflection.”
The singer continues, “In any case, the thought of embodying this killer clown made me feel simultaneously uncomfortable and like I would be pushing myself to take it on. So, with much uncertainty, the type of which confirmed I was still attempting to embrace my contradictions, I replied: ‘Yes, I’m interested.'” (via Vagabond)
Tim Curry addresses another facet of Pennywise in his memoir. That was the rumor that he refuses to talk about the role because of some deep regret. Explaining, he wrote, “I haven’t had much to say about it publicly for many years, which many people misread as my carrying some sort of deep conflict about the role.”
The 79-year-old adds, “That’s really not the case, but I didn’t revel in the role, either. I have great respect for Stephen King and think it’s a strong adaptation, but it wasn’t exactly a Stoppard experience. Nor did I expect it to be.”
Later, Curry discussed how profoundly the character had impacted people. He recalls meeting two types of fans. Either the role awed them, or Pennywise scared them. He says he never knew how to respond to these people because it was “not the most charming conversation starter.” And then it would lead him to less delightful discussions.
Originally reported by Preksha Singh on ComingSoon.
