Vagabond Audiobook By Tim Curry cover art

Vagabond

A Memoir

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Vagabond

By: Tim Curry
Narrated by: Tim Curry
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This memoir is a celebration of Tim Curry's’s life’s work, and a testament to his profound impact on the entertainment industry as we know it today.

There are few stars in Hollywood today that can boast the kind of resume Tony award-nominated actor Tim Curry has built over the past five decades. From his breakout role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show to his iconic depiction as the sadistic clown Pennywise in It to his critically acclaimed role as the original King Arthur in both the Broadway and West End versions of Spamalot, Curry redefined what it meant to be a “character actor,” portraying heroes and villains alike with complexity, nuance, and a genuine understanding of human darkness.

Now, in his memoir, Curry takes readers behind-the-scenes of his rise to fame from his early beginnings as a military brat to his formative years in boarding school and university, to the moment when he hit the stage for the first time. He goes in-depth about what it was like to work on some of the most emblematic works of the 20th century, constantly switching between a camera and a live audience. He also explores the voicework that defined his later career and provided him with a chance to pivot after surviving a catastrophic stroke in 2012 that nearly took his life.

With the upcoming 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the 40th anniversary of Clue, there’s never been a better time for Tim to share his story with the world.

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Editorial Review

Well worth the antici… pation
In the introduction of Vagabond, Tim Curry muses that penning his memoir offered an opportunity to “malign my own reputation.” Delightful self-deprecation aside, the Tony-nominated icon of stage and screen does anything but, instead he crafts a charming collection of personal stories, all narrated in his inimitable voice. In this reflective journey alight with humor and honesty, Curry recalls his childhood, creative journey, and career, while meditating on how lived experiences informed his craft. Of course, he also looks back at memorable roles, ranging from Dr. Frank-n-Furter to Sir Nigel Thornberry to King Arthur in the musical Spamalot. Along the way, he shares plenty of behind-the-scenes anecdotes fans will no doubt enjoy, whether enduring hours of daily prosthetics application on the set of Legend, working alongside Carol Burnett and the Muppets, embodying the demonic Pennywise (despite his own distaste for clowns), or celebrating the unique joys and possibilities of voice work.—Alanna M., Audible Editor

Fascinating Life Story • Candid Reflections • Authentic Voice Narration • Iconic Roles • Insightful Career Details

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One of the most self-aware autobiographies. It’s beautifully written, and very easy to read/listen. Curry’s candour and sense of humour as he looks back on, and looks ahead at life are delightful.
Having listened to more than one of Curry’s earlier reading performances, I was looking forward to this one, and I have to say I loved it. He’s s a wonderful reader despite a severe stroke, and it was extra special hearing his story in his own voice.

Self-aware, honest, moving

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I read a lot of memoirs but they often have a patina of artifice and fill-in-the-blanks sameness. Not Vagabond. Not at all. From the first, Curry sets his boundaries as to what he will share and what he will not. I have so much respect for that. I wrote my own memoir and I did the same thing. No compensation or recognition is worth causing pain to others or to yourself.

Vagabond seems to me not the story of a man trying to outwardly explore his life. Rather, it seems to be an introspective journey and lucky readers (or, on this case, listeners) get to go along for the ride. I’d say for all the highs and lows but it feels like there were a whole lot more highs but possibly that is because Tim Curry chooses to turn lows into highs.

I was surprised that he narrated the book himself. His post-stroke speech is deliberate. What that does is make you listen more intentionally. Each word stands for something and you hear each word. I love that, especially here because Curry sure has a way with words. His facility with the English language is remarkable, refreshing and truly entertaining. He shares raucous and insightful recollections of many of his very famous performances.

Sure, if you think of Tim Curry, you think of Rocky Horror first. It is authentically iconic. But then you remember others…oh yeah, he was hilarious in Annie and terrifying in It and he sang and danced and played evil maybe too well. I have listened to a few of his audio books and they are really great, bringing the material to life brilliantly with such versatility.

I loved hearing Curry’s take on the many films and plays and TV programs in which he performed…always the standout. He gives fascinating peeks into the productions and co-stars. In some cases, he offers respectful praise. Some fellow performers are just not mentioned so I’m guessing that’s Curry’s way of dissing them without saying a word…but I noticed.

I remember seeing Spamalot on a terrible day for me, I had been coping with problems and my friend made me get out of his apartment and go to the play. It totally turned things around for me. The play was great, he was hilarious and I laughed, which I didn’t think was possible right then.

This is a wonderful book. I’ll give it to friends for Christmas. I felt like I was being included in a very special man’s life. That intimacy is rare in autobiographies. And it is what makes Vagabond special.

Astonishingly revealing and intimate memoir of a bigger-than-life man.

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I loved hearing Mr. Curry’s stories about his movies, stage performances, and voice work. I’ve always been a fan, so the insight and humor into nostalgic media made them even more memorable. While you don’t get any of the modern tell-all gossip and drama, Mr. Curry shares enough of his personal life to bring extra dimension to his body of work and how it shaped him as an artist, but is fairly reserved (as he says, he’s still British after all). There are audio variances that some listeners may struggle with, but I greatly appreciated getting to hear his story in his own voice. Thank you for sharing with us, Mr. Curry!

Wonderful insight into old favs

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A truly intimate and enjoyable journey with one of my favorite actors.
Amazing to hear stories about his roles in movies and pkays and how he became inspired to the character with his own style.

Getting to know Tim Curry in an earthy way.

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I loved how he was unapologetically himself. I also respect that this was not about his love life throughout the years. It’s really no one’s business anyway.

Honesty

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