Tim Curry knows how to make a role his own, whether as an unhinged Transylvanian doctor attempting to create the perfect male specimen or a butler who must keep a mansion tidy despite the number of bodies that keep dropping. Before his near-fatal stroke in 2012, Curry had performed in the theater, on television and in motion pictures, playing parts that cemented his legacy in pop culture. Despite his enormous success, he always stayed true to his decision to move on from a project when he felt that the time was right.

"This splendid and moving memoir is distinct for its genuineness, verve and lack of guile.... VAGABOND portrays the fickleness of show business, yet Curry has maintained an indomitable resilience that has seen him succeed in the entertainment industry and in life."

Curry’s family moved around a lot because of his father’s position in the Royal Navy. While his father was a warm person, his mother was almost the exact opposite. An 11-year-old Curry would be hit hard by his father’s death due to complications from a stroke. This only widened the emotional gulf between him and his mother. Even though his parents were a study in contrasts, some of the characters Curry portrayed reflected a few of their attributes.

Curry’s love for the stage began when he was in boarding school. Once he caught the acting bug, he didn’t want to let it go. His philosophy in taking on a role was to “explore contradictions” and get outside of one’s comfort zone. The casting aside of one’s inhibitions allowed Curry to make Dr. Frank-N-Furter a beautifully sublime character who evoked laughs and tears in the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show. His professional mantra led to a standout performance as Pennywise, the murderous harlequin, in the miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s IT. When reading each script, Curry approached the role from a different angle and added a certain panache to that character.

This splendid and moving memoir is distinct for its genuineness, verve and lack of guile. Curry has been a performer for over five decades, but now he’s the storyteller, and he plunges in with both feet. One of the first impressions while reading about his path from the theater to the big screen is an appreciation of the craft and his desire to always give his absolute best. His anecdotes regarding some of his more prominent cinematic roles will prove especially enlightening for fans of those films, including Annie and Clue.

VAGABOND portrays the fickleness of show business, yet Curry has maintained an indomitable resilience that has seen him succeed in the entertainment industry and in life. You will not want to miss this powerful book.