Book Review: Vagabond

There are few stars in Hollywood today that can boast the kind of resume Tony award-nominated actor Tim Curry has built over the past five decades. From his breakout role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show to his iconic depiction as the sadistic clown Pennywise in It to his critically acclaimed role as the original King Arthur in both the Broadway and West End versions of Spamalot, Curry redefined what it meant to be a “character actor,” portraying heroes and villains alike with complexity, nuance, and a genuine understanding of human darkness.

Now, in his memoir, Curry takes readers behind-the-scenes of his rise to fame from his early beginnings as a military brat to his formative years in boarding school and university, to the moment when he hit the stage for the first time. He goes in-depth about what it was like to work on some of the most emblematic works of the 20th century, constantly switching between a camera and a live audience. He also explores the voicework that defined his later career and provided him with a chance to pivot after surviving a catastrophic stroke in 2012 that nearly took his life.

Vagabond: A Memoir by Tim Curry will be published on October 14, 2025. Grand Central Publishing provided an early galley for review.

I have been a Tim Curry fan since seeing Rocky Horror in the early 80's. I've enjoyed his films, his albums and his voice-over work over the decades. From the introductory chapter of this memoir, I also knew I would enjoy hearing his story in his own words. He comes across exactly as I would have expected - open, honest and full of that classic Curry humor and style. I am so pleased we get to hear his story directly from him; no one else could do it the proper justice.

I really appreciated his openness about his health turn and how he has dealt with it. It is a reminder for aging readers like myself that we never know what life will send our way and that we need to be thankful for and make the most of every moment we are given. I am very thankful for all the joys Tim Curry has brought into my life.