BOOK REVIEW: VAGABOND by Tim Curry
Penguin Random House Australia, October 2025
Hardcover, rrp AUD$55.00
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
88%
Tim Curry is not only iconic but also beloved: an actor whose breakthrough role as the omnisexual alien Dr Frank-n-Furter in first, the stage production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, then the film version, titled The Rocky Horror Picture Show, remains flawless fifty years later.
In Vagabond he tells his story – but is clear from the outset that this will not be a salacious tale of gossip or a muck rake through his personal life. That is “respectfully, none of your fucking business,” he states. Instead, it’s a riveting study of his craft and a look at some of his most important performances and characterisations.
I could certainly have taken a lot more information and behind the scenes stories from Rocky Horror, but what is offered is undeniably interesting. (There shall be no spoilers from me today) There are also interesting performances which haven’t made the cut – not least his off-screen role as radio DJ in Times Square, another of my favourite rock n’ roll movies.
Nitpicking aside, Curry is open about the impact of losing his father at a young age, and the difficult relationship he had with his mother. Boarding school was another influential episode in his life which formed who he became through hard times.
Vagabond includes stories of his lauded theatrical career as well as his TV and movie appearances, his career as a singer, releasing five albums along the way, and his extensive career as a voice over artist for animated productions. There are many anecdotes about his interactions with the likes of Mick Jagger, Ronnie Spector, Carly Simon, Ian McKellen, Prince Charles and Lady Diana (as they then were), Tom Cruise, Grace Jones, Andy Warhol and many, many more, all adding to the remarkable story of his career.
A debilitating stroke in 2012 which left him half paralysed is addressed with a calm I don’t know I would be able to muster – at least not initially. Curry seems sanguine about the obstacles it has introduced into his life and thankful he can still function at all, albeit not as freely as he would prefer.
It is a shame he doesn’t open up a little more about his personal life, as it feels like there’s a large part of his story out of bounds. That is, of course, his prerogative, which we must respect, and tales of his approach to playing the world’s favourite “sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania”, Pennywise from It, Long John Silver from Muppet’s Treasure Island, Butler Wadsworth in Clue and so many more revered roles just about makes up for it.
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