Tim Curry has spoken about one of his biggest career regrets: missing out on the chance to audition for Hannibal Lecter in ‘The Silence of the Lambs’. The 79-year-old icon, famous for playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter on “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” shared the story in a recent interview. Despite landing roles like Pennywise in It, this villain got away due to agent issues. His honest reflection highlights what’s next in Hollywood.
Tim Curry regrets not auditioning for Hannibal Lecter.
According to an interview with People, Tim Curry read the script for ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and felt a strong pull towards the cannibal psychiatrist. “One of my biggest regrets is that I read the script for ‘The Silence of the Lambs’ and wanted to play Hannibal Lecter,” he admitted during a talk at The Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library. His agent hit a wall. “My agent couldn’t get me in the room, but Tony Hopkins did a great job,” Curry graciously admitted. Hopkins won an Academy Award for his terrific portrayal in the 1991 thriller.
Tim Curry auditioned for the infamous ‘Home Alone’
Curry auditioned for Marv in Home Alone, meeting director Chris Columbus. He remembered the process fondly, but noted that Daniel Stern got the role. Curry said of the casting feedback, “That’s the only time a casting director has ever said that.” Hector appeared in ‘Home Alone 2’ as a receptionist. Curry spoke warmly of the young Macaulay Culkin, saying that Culkin would watch late night movies and sleep in the makeup chair.
Jurassic Park Malcolm Test
Curry also tried out for Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park, eventually played by Jeff Goldblum. Like other villains’ bids, he didn’t succeed. These near misses show his skill with eccentric antagonists.
Tim Curry’s iconic villainous legacy
Curry’s career includes unforgettable villains in “Clue’s Wadsworth” and “The Hunt for Red October’s Dr. Petrobitch.” Fans often picture him as Lecter, given his menacing charisma. At the age of 79, recovery from a stroke has led to vocal work. His new memoir, Vagabond, details a life from military man to Broadway star in Spamalot and Hair. Curry celebrates pivots after health scares, takes voice roles on Muppet Treasure Island and more.
