Tim Curry shares untold ‘Clue’ secrets at Academy archive visit

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Tim Curry revealed shocking untold secrets during his Academy archive visit today. The 79-year-old actor explored Clue memorabilia at the Margaret Herrick Library. He disclosed a fourth unreleased ending where his character committed all murders, plus surprising casting revelations never before shared publicly.

🔥 Quick Facts

  • Archive Visit: Tim Curry visited The Academy’s Margaret Herrick Library on March 5, 2026.
  • Hospital Discovery: July 25 shooting day resulted in hospitalization for high blood pressure after intense physical performance.
  • Fourth Ending: Four alternative endings were shot, but only three were ever released to theaters.
  • Casting Revelation: Curry almost played Mr. Green instead of Wadsworth, the butler character he made iconic.

Iconic Performance Pushed Star to Hospital Limits

Tim Curry suffered extraordinary physical stress during the production of Clue in 1985. Archivist Louise Hilton read from original paperwork documenting the July 25th hospital visit. The record stated Curry was “taken to the hospital at wrap, reported not feeling well,” with doctors concluding it was high blood pressure. Curry himself explained the exhausting day with characteristic humor and grace.

“That was the day that we shot me running around, demonstrating each murder,” the legendary actor disclosed with a smile. “It was exhausting, and I was verkelmpt.” The scene referred to shows Wadsworth sprinting through the mansion, recreating how the killer could move undetected. 40+ minutes of running cost Curry his health temporarily, proving his commitment to comedic excellence surpassed physical limitations.

Curry’s Revelation of Forbidden Fourth Ending

Perhaps the most shocking revelation came when discussing four Clue endings that were originally filmed. Hilton pointed to archival paperwork confirming this fact, news that visibly surprised many fans. Curry shared his personal favorite was the ending where he committed all the murders himself. “That was my favorite,” he stated, laughing at the audacity of the concept.

Producers ultimately rejected this daring conclusion because they felt it was too obvious for audiences. Only three endings were ever released theatrically, keeping the mystery genuinely mysterious. This decision shaped how generations experienced the cult classic film. Curry expressed no regret, understanding the producers’ artistic judgment even if his preference leaned toward cinematic boldness.

Behind-the-Scenes Film Facts and Timeline

Production Detail Information
Release Year 1985
Director Jonathan Lynn
Endings Filmed Four original versions
Endings Released Three theatrical versions

The historic archive materials revealed previously unknown production secrets from four decades ago. Curry’s personal anecdotes validated archival records, creating a fascinating convergence of historical documentation and actor testimony. The Margaret Herrick Library preserves these priceless artifacts that showcase Clue‘s complex production history and artistic choices.

“There was one ending where I did all the murders, and of course, that was my favorite. They never released that ending because they thought it was too obvious.”

Tim Curry, Actor, Clue

Surprising Alternative Casting That Never Happened

Perhaps most shockingly, Curry learned for the first time during the archive visit that he nearly played a completely different character. Archivist Hilton revealed that Curry was originally considered for Mr. Green, not the beloved butler Wadsworth. This alternate version would have featured Carrie Fisher as Miss Scarlett and Lesley Ann Warren as Mrs. White, creating an entirely different ensemble dynamic.

The actor seemed genuinely surprised by this revelation, indicating how forgotten Hollywood history can be. Director Jonathan Lynn ultimately chose Curry as Wadsworth because of their long friendship since teenage years. This fateful casting decision produced comedy magic. Curry’s 41-year-old performance in the butler role became absolutely irreplaceable in cinema history.

What Does This Archive Visit Reveal About Hollywood Preservation?

Tim Curry’s Academy archive visit underscores the critical importance of preserving film history. The Margaret Herrick Library houses thousands of original production documents, scripts, and memorabilia from Hollywood’s greatest films. Without such institutions, industry secrets would vanish forever, lost to time and neglect. Curry’s intimate conversation with Hilton demonstrates how personal testimony brings historical records to life.

The encounter also reveals how even legendary actors discover untold facts about their own careers through archival research. This speaks to the collaborative chaos of film production, where information gets scattered across decades. Such discoveries remind audiences why celebrating and preserving cinema’s physical records matters profoundly for future generations.

Sources

  • People Magazine – Tim Curry’s exclusive interview with Academy archivist Louise Hilton about Clue production secrets and hospital incident.
  • Yahoo Entertainment – Coverage of Tim Curry’s Margaret Herrick Library archive visit and untold Clue filming details.
  • The Academy – Official archival documentation and video featuring Tim Curry discussing his iconic roles and Clue production history.

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