Legendary actor Tim Curry reflects on his unsettling experience portraying Pennywise the Clown in Stephen King’s 1990 miniseries “IT,” revealing in his memoir that he never truly enjoyed stepping into the role of the terrifying villain.

Tim Curry Reveals His Real Feelings About Playing Pennywise

For decades, Tim Curry’s Pennywise the Dancing Clown has haunted audiences’ nightmares. His chilling performance in the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s IT set the gold standard for horror villains — long before Bill Skarsgård donned the red balloon.

But as Curry reveals in his new memoir Vagabond, playing Pennywise was far from a dream role. In fact, it was one he accepted with hesitation.

“I loathe clowns,” Curry writes. “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 actor, now 79, explains that the idea of embodying a “killer clown” made him deeply uncomfortable. Yet, that very discomfort became the challenge that drew him in.

“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, I replied: ‘Yes, I’m interested.’”

A Role That Defined a Generation of Fear

When Stephen King’s IT premiered as a television miniseries in 1990, it captivated — and terrified — millions. Curry’s portrayal of Pennywise remains iconic, influencing generations of horror fans and inspiring the 2017 and 2019 film adaptations.

Despite his success, Curry confesses that he never “revelled” in the role.

“I haven’t had much to say about it publicly for many years, which people misread as some sort of deep conflict about the role,” Curry notes. “That’s really not the case, but I didn’t revel in the role, either.”

While he holds great respect for Stephen King and the creative team behind IT, he admits it wasn’t the kind of project that resonated with his usual acting sensibilities.

“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.”

Pennywise and the People He Terrified

Curry also discusses the strange aftermath of playing one of cinema’s most terrifying villains — the reactions of fans who grew up both mesmerized and traumatized by his performance.

“The majority of people who want to talk to me about being Pennywise are either notably odd people, who sort of revel in his evilness, or they want me to know that I’ve traumatized them,” he writes. “They tell me I made it impossible to sleep — or that they still can’t look at clowns.”

Curry admits he’s never quite known how to respond to those encounters.

“It’s not the most charming conversation starter,” he reflects. “And invariably, it leads to a less-than-delightful discussion to navigate.”

Beyond Pennywise: A Storied Career

Although IT made him a horror icon, Tim Curry’s career spans decades and genres — from his cult classic role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show to his comedic turns in Clue and Home Alone 2.

In recent years, Curry has made fewer public appearances, though fans were thrilled when he attended the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 2025, addressing the crowd with his trademark wit and charm.

Now, with his memoir Vagabond hitting shelves, Curry offers a rare and candid look at his long and varied life on stage and screen — and at the fears he overcame to bring one of horror’s most enduring monsters to life.

“Vagabond” — A Memoir of Contradictions and Courage

Through Vagabond, Tim Curry invites readers to see beyond the greasepaint and fangs. The memoir explores not only his rise to fame but also his contradictions — the tension between his natural humor and the darkness of some of his most famous roles.

“Taking on Pennywise was part of learning to embrace those contradictions,” Curry concludes. “Even if it meant spending a little too much time inside my worst nightmare.”

Vagabond is available now wherever books are sold.