Tim Curry’s Disney World role brought menace to one of Magic Kingdom’s scariest attractions

Tim Curry, the singular actor whose commanding voice and theatrical presence made even his most sinister characters irresistible, has died at age 80.

Known worldwide for playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Pennywise in “It” and Wadsworth in “Clue,” Curry also left a distinctive mark on Walt Disney World for nearly a decade.

For eight years, his voice introduced Magic Kingdom guests to an experiment that was about to go frighteningly wrong. In honor of the talented actor’s passing, let’s revisit Tim Curry’s role at Walt Disney World and his impact on themed attractions.

Tim Curry voiced S.I.R. in Disney World’s Alien Encounter

Curry voiced S.I.R., short for Simulated Intelligence Robotics, in the preshow for ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter at Magic Kingdom.

The imposing Audio-Animatronic robot represented X-S Tech, an alien corporation demonstrating its interplanetary teleportation technology inside the Tomorrowland Interplanetary Convention Center. S.I.R. tested the system on a small alien named Skippy, whose unfortunate journey revealed that the company’s technology—and its attitude toward living test subjects—could not be trusted.

Related: ‘Alien Encounter’ immersive show in Los Angeles

Curry’s haughty delivery established the attraction’s dark humor before guests entered its theater-in-the-round. Once seated beneath shoulder restraints, they watched another teleportation demonstration malfunction and release a dangerous alien into the chamber.

Much of the ensuing encounter unfolded in complete darkness. Binaural audio, air effects and pressure from the shoulder restraints created the sensation that the creature was breathing on guests and moving around the theater.

Alien Encounter originally entered previews in December 1994 with a markedly different preshow. Phil Hartman voiced a friendlier robot named T.O.M. 2000, but Disney closed the attraction for extensive revisions before its official debut. T.O.M. was replaced by S.I.R., with Curry’s performance helping prepare guests for the more threatening experience ahead.

ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter officially opened June 20, 1995. Curry’s voice remained part of the attraction until it closed in 2003, according to D23.

The attraction was subsequently replaced by Stitch’s Great Escape, which reused its circular theaters and much of its sensory technology. That attraction has also closed, but Alien Encounter continues to hold a distinctive place in Magic Kingdom history—and Curry’s unmistakable voice was central to its identity.

Tim Curry’s other Disney roles

Curry’s connection to Disney extended well beyond Tomorrowland. He played Long John Silver opposite Kermit the Frog and the rest of the Muppets in 1996’s “Muppet Treasure Island.” He also portrayed Cardinal Richelieu in Disney’s 1993 adaptation of “The Three Musketeers” and voiced the villainous pipe organ Forte in “Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas.”

Tim Curry played Mr. Hector, the suspicious concierge at New York City’s Plaza Hotel, in 1992’s “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” Curry also voiced Chancellor Palpatine and Darth Sidious in “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” succeeding Ian Abercrombie in the role.

Still, S.I.R. gave Curry a rare place within Disney Parks history: His unmistakable voice was paired with an Audio-Animatronic character at Magic Kingdom for nearly a decade.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” reached Halloween Horror Nights

Curry’s defining portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter also inspired live entertainment at Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute” condensed the cult film into a live stage production featuring its characters, costumes, songs and audience participation. Versions appeared at Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2014. Universal Studios Hollywood also presented the show in 2009.

Although Curry was not part of the park casts, every performer stepping into Frank-N-Furter’s heels was following the indelible blueprint he created. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: A Tribute” was staged at Halloween Horror Nights in the same outdoor theater normally used for Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue.

From the intimidating S.I.R. in Tomorrowland to the “Time Warp” at Halloween Horror Nights, Curry’s work found a fitting home in theme parks willing to become a little stranger, darker and more theatrical.