Tim Curry 'Didn't Revel' in Playing Pennywise Because He Already 'Loathed' Clowns When He Signed on for It

Tim Curry had a tiny objection to one of his most well-recognized roles.

The actor, 79, famously played Pennywise in the 1990 Stephen King miniseries IT, taking the role despite the fact that he "loathes" clowns.

Looking back at the decision in his memoir, Vagabond, the actor confirmed the rumor about himself but explained, "Not quite to the extent that I literally couldn’t look at myself in the mirror, as has often been reported, but I certainly didn’t delight in my reflection."

"In any case, the thought of embodying this killer clown made me feel simultaneously uncomfortable and like I would be pushing myself to take it on. So, with much uncertainty, the type of which confirmed I was still attempting to embrace my contradictions, I replied: 'Yes, I'm interested.’ ”

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Curry also took the opportunity to address rumors that because he doesn't talk about the role as much as his roles in other fan-favorites, like The Rocky Horror Picture Show or Clue.

"I haven't had much to say about it publicly for many years, which many people misread as my carrying some sort of deep conflict about the role. That's really not the case, but I didn't revel in the role, either," he admits.

"I have great respect for Stephen King and think it's a strong adaptation, but it wasn't exactly a Stoppard experience. Nor did I expect it to be."

Curry also talked about the unusual experience of meeting people and finding out that he was a fearful figure to them as a result of the film.

“The majority of people who want to talk to me about being Pennywise are either notably odd people, who sort of revel in his evilness, or else they want me to know that I've really traumatized them, or made it impossible to sleep, or something of that variety. I don't blame them-one of my lines is literally ‘I'm your worst dream come true,' " he wrote.

"But I've never really known how to respond to that. It's not the most charming conversation starter, and invariably leads to a less-than-delightful discussion to navigate.”

Vagabond is now available wherever books are sold.