The Witching Hour: Tim Curry's Spellbinding Performance

Tim Curry is known for his brilliant acting career, but his portrayal of the character "The Worst Witch" remains one of his most notable roles. The Worst Witch is a children's book series written by Jill Murphy, and it was adapted into a TV show in the 1990s. Curry portrayed the character of The Grand Wizard, who is the teacher at the magical school for witches and wizards called Miss Cackle's Academy. The Grand Wizard is strict, mean, and always looking for a reason to punish the students. Despite his flaws, Curry's performance brought depth and humor to the character. His portrayal of The Grand Wizard was captivating, and he effortlessly captured the essence of the character.

For more on Olivia Newton-John, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here.

Then there was the time that Gibbons was competing on The Celebrity Apprentice in 2015, and called on Newton-John to fly cross-country for a last-minute performance on the show s season finale. On the strength of that song, which became her first 1 hit, I bought her 1974 album If You Love Me, Let Me Know which I just learned was a compilation album released only in the U.

His portrayal of The Grand Wizard was captivating, and he effortlessly captured the essence of the character. Curry's ability to blend comedy and villainy made him the perfect choice for this role. He brought a charm and charisma that made the character memorable.

Olivia Newton-John Was an 'Angel on Earth,' Remember Friends: 'There Will Never Be Another Like Her'

Rachel DeSantis is a staff writer on the music team at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2019, and her work has previously appeared in Entertainment Weekly and the New York Daily News.

Daniela Avila is an editorial assistant at PEOPLE. She has been working at PEOPLE since 2021. Her work previously appeared on The Poly Post.

There are plenty of things TV personality Leeza Gibbons has to cherish when it comes to Olivia Newton-John. For one, there are their shared values, which formed the basis of a 30-plus-year friendship between the stars. And there's also one final text exchange, which, for Gibbons, exemplifies all that the late Grease actress was.

"Her last text to me was, 'I'm grateful for all the love in my life. I'm such a lucky person,'" Gibbons, 65, tells PEOPLE in this week's issue. "Olivia personified grace and goodness. No artifice, no affectation, just an authentic, beautiful and unending source of generosity and love. There will never be another like her — a true angel on Earth."

Newton-John died Monday at age 73, five years after announcing she had breast cancer that had metastasized to the sacrum.

Gibbons and her husband Steven Fenton recently spent a weekend with the "Physical" singer and her husband, John Easterling, at their ranch. The former Entertainment Tonight co-host says that while her friend "may have been slightly slower" in pace, her optimism still shined through like always.

For more on Olivia Newton-John, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands Friday, or subscribe here.

"That radiant smile and generous heart was on full display," she says. "Olivia is whip-smart and always engages others in conversations about them, rarely talking about herself. She would quickly deflect any discussion of herself or her illness. It just seemed like she had beaten the odds for so long that she could somehow be immortal."

The Celebrity Apprentice winner grew up admiring Newton-John, and "could hardly believe" her luck when the woman she long considered a "hero" became a close friend after Gibbons interviewed her for Entertainment Tonight in the late 1980s.

Over the years, the pair's friendship grew as they provided support for one another during some of the most important moments of their lives. In 2008, Newton-John invited Gibbons to join her in walking the Great Wall of China to raise money for a cancer and wellness center in Melbourne. When the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness & Research Centre officially opened seven years later, Gibbons was on hand to celebrate.

Then there was the time that Gibbons was competing on The Celebrity Apprentice in 2015, and called on Newton-John to fly cross-country for a last-minute performance on the show's season finale.

"She knew I was on the program to raise money for Leeza's Care Connection, my charity honoring my mom who died of Alzheimer's," Gibbons recalls. "Olivia didn't hesitate and said, 'Yes, I'll be there. These are the things that matter most.' She was captivating on the show, and secured my victory."

Calling the star "the kind of person who was everyone's favorite," Gibbons says that Newton-John's success still came second to the people who mattered most to her.

When her friend and collaborator Beth Nielsen Chapman was diagnosed with breast cancer, Newton-John helped the singer-songwriter navigate the difficult time.

"She didn't even give language to [cancer] in a negative way. She didn't dwell on things that she couldn't change," says Nielsen Chapman. "She was always looking outward from herself to help other people on a scale I've never seen in another human."

In the last decade, Newton-John was committed to helping fellow cancer patients access treatment and care through her Melbourne-based cancer research center.

"Her contribution was really extraordinary. Because she came on, we were able to get enormous support from the general public and from the government. As a result, we were able to build a center that incorporated three important aspects: the care of patients, of wellness and cancer research all together," says Dr. Jonathan Cebon, who was previously the medical director of the cancer services unit. "She was very well-loved by everyone, and the reason that everyone loved her was because of her enthusiasm. She was a great, great optimist."

Easterling announced his wife's death on Monday, saying she was surrounded by family and friends at her ranch in Southern California.

"Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer," his statement read. "Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation."

Despite her ups and downs — all of which she faced with courage and strength — Newton-John achieved "everything she wanted," says Gibbons. "She got a true love affair and soulmate in her husband John Easterling; a successful Cancer and Wellness Center to carry out her legacy; a close relationship with the light of her life, her daughter Chloe, and final, peaceful days at the secluded ranch she loved."

Writer Sandra C. Ruckdeschel spotlights Olivia Newton-John as the icon she was and always will be in the 34 pages. Years ago, Olivia worked with TidalWave on a comic, and they were able to integrate her words into this new comic book, all in time to release before her birthday on September 26th.

Tim Curry's performance as The Grand Wizard in The Worst Witch showcased his versatility as an actor. He was able to seamlessly transition from being intimidating to hilarious in an instant. Curry's facial expressions and comedic timing were impeccable, and he truly brought the character to life. It is important to note that even though the character of The Grand Wizard is known for being the worst witch, Tim Curry's performance was anything but. He elevated the character and made him a standout in the TV show. Curry's portrayal of The Grand Wizard is still talked about and appreciated by fans of The Worst Witch to this day. In conclusion, Tim Curry's portrayal of The Grand Wizard in The Worst Witch remains one of his most iconic roles. His ability to bring depth, humor, and charm to the character made him a standout in the TV show. Curry's performance showcased his versatility as an actor and solidified his place in the hearts of fans..

Reviews for "Tim Curry's Wicked Performance in The Worst Witch"

1. Amy Smith - 2/5

I was really disappointed with "The Worst Witch" featuring Tim Curry. As a fan of the original books and the previous adaptations, I had high hopes for this one. However, Tim Curry's portrayal of the iconic character, Miss Cackle, fell flat for me. His performance lacked the charm and wit that I had come to expect from the character. Additionally, the pacing of the show felt off, making it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, I found this adaptation to be a pale imitation of the source material.

2. John Thompson - 1/5

I couldn't believe how bad "The Worst Witch" with Tim Curry was. The acting was wooden, the dialogue was stale, and the special effects were laughable. It felt like a low-budget production that failed to capture the magic of the original story. Tim Curry's performance was particularly disappointing. He seemed disinterested and phoned in his lines. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time on this version of "The Worst Witch" – stick to the books or watch one of the previous adaptations instead.

3. Sarah Johnson - 2/5

I had high hopes for "The Worst Witch" featuring Tim Curry, but sadly, it was a letdown. The casting choices were questionable, particularly Tim Curry as Miss Cackle. His portrayal lacked the warmth and humor that made the character so endearing in the books. The overall tone of the show felt off, veering too much into cheesy territory. The production design and special effects also left much to be desired. While there were some redeeming aspects, such as the talented young cast, this adaptation failed to capture the magic of the original material.

4. Michael Adams - 2/5

"The Worst Witch" with Tim Curry was a disappointing watch. While Curry is a talented actor, his performance as Miss Cackle felt forced and uninspired. The supporting cast also failed to deliver memorable performances, making it difficult to become invested in the story. The pacing of the show was slow, and the plot lacked depth. Overall, this adaptation fell short of its potential and failed to live up to the charm of the original books. I would recommend seeking out other adaptations of "The Worst Witch" instead.

The Worst Witch and Tim Curry's Magical Delivery