Vagabond Book Review
Summary: The man who brought so many iconic characters to the stage and screen shares what it has been like to live the life of a Vagabond.
5
Timeless Tim
Some actors are known for their presence… but they arguably seem very similar in every role they play, then there are actors who disappear into their characters, becoming totally unrecognisable and yet unforgettable at the same time. Tim Curry arguably stands out as the latter and has given us laughter and fear over the years along with warmth and charm. In Vagabond, he takes us on a journey through his life, from a childhood marred by the untimely loss of his father, to a mother who never seemed to be able to show support for his career, to the roles that would cement his place in the history of stage and film.
From the very start of Vagabond, it is clear that this is on Tim Curry’s terms, certain things are essentially “off limits” (stated in no uncertain terms that I can’t repeat here)… but it’s also clear that Mr. Curry is happy to have a bit of fun and riffs on one of his most famous lines about expectation.
Though stated early on that this is not a “master class”… there are still elements to glean about acting for those who are interested (though not explicitly delivered as a lesson)… notes about how certain characters were developed (of particular note is the discovery of the voice of Dr. Frank-N-Furter). What the book is full of is lovely stories of how productions began, evolved, and came to be as we know them now. Though generally polite with commentary on those he has worked with… there are a few people who find themselves at the sharp end of a pointed comment (I can’t help but think quite deservedly so).
Despite making it clear certain things are off limits… Tim is very open about what he does share, including his past with drugs and alcohol. There is indeed a sense of honesty throughout that is very appealing. That may sound odd… but I have read the odd autobiography that seemed somewhat “over-inflated.” There’s grittiness here and honest depictions of the working (or trying to find work) artist, matched with the drive to see past the squalid living conditions and focus on that love of acting… that thrill of being on stage and feeling the energy of the audience, coupled with the crash of that ending.
As someone who has had the good fortune to spend some time on the stage and in front of a camera (nothing even close to the wondrous heights of Mr. Curry), it is a real pleasure to read about how one of the most iconic character actors of our times started out and how he moved from character to character with everything in between (within reason). As mentioned earlier… though this isn’t an acting training book… Mr. Curry does give some hints and clues on how someone might develop their character or tackle a given performance, but not in a way that is likely to disengage a more casual reader.
Final Thoughts?
Like many people, I have enjoyed many of Tim Curry’s fantastic performances over the years and, just like The Rocky Horror Picture Show (the longest running movie in cinema history), those performances will be enjoyed by generations many years from now. Vagabond is a fantastic read that gives a peek into the life that has brought so many great characters into our lives and is well worth grabbing a copy of.
About the Author
Chris O'Connor Father of four, husband of one and all round oddity. Gaming at home since about 1982 with a Sinclair ZX Spectrum. Moving on to the more traditional PC genre in the years that followed with the classic Jump Joe and Alley Cat. CGA, EGA, VGA and beyond PC's have been central to my gaming but I've also enjoyed consoles and hand helds along the way (who remembers the Atari Lynx?). Would have been actor/film maker, jack of many trades master of none.
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