The gaming community is mourning the loss of Tony Pankhurst, the English actor who became widely recognized as the face of The Dark Pictures Anthology. Pankhurst, who was 67, passed away on May 9, 2024. He was celebrated for his portrayal of the Curator, the enigmatic narrator guiding players through the harrowing tales of Supermassive Games’ popular horror franchise.
Tony Pankhurst’s Role in The Dark Pictures Anthology
The Dark Pictures Anthology is a series of standalone horror games, each introduced and occasionally guided by the Curator. This mysterious character, modeled after Pankhurst, resides in a place called The Repository and offers cryptic advice and reflections on the players’ decisions. Pankhurst’s likeness brought an eerie authenticity to the Curator, making him an iconic figure within the series.
In addition to his role as the Curator’s model, Pankhurst appeared in the live-action launch trailer for The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes. His performance contributed significantly to the franchise’s immersive atmosphere, leaving a lasting impression on fans.
A Tribute from Supermassive Games
On July 29, Supermassive Games shared a heartfelt tribute to Pankhurst, expressing their sorrow over his passing. The tribute highlighted Pankhurst’s contribution to creating “a character loved by many” and acknowledged his impact on the series. The actor’s family also set up a memorial page on the MuchLoved platform, where they revealed that Pankhurst passed away on May 9, with a funeral service held on June 7. In honor of his love for Premier League club Brighton Hove Albion FC, attendees were asked to wear the team’s blue and white colors instead of traditional black attire.
Pankhurst’s Career and Legacy
Before becoming a prominent figure in The Dark Pictures Anthology, Tony Pankhurst had a diverse career. He appeared in minor roles in major films such as Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Babylon, The Theory of Everything, and Star Wars: Episode 7 – The Force Awakens. Beyond acting, Pankhurst worked as a radio presenter and ran his own business, which he later sold to pursue acting full-time in his 50s.
Pankhurst’s legacy in The Dark Pictures Anthology is expected to endure. While he provided the physical likeness for the Curator, the character’s voice and motion capture are performed by Pip Torrens, known for his role as White Mask Varré in Elden Ring. Supermassive Games has indicated that the Curator will continue to feature in future entries of the series, including the upcoming second season, Directive 8020. This season has been in production since 2022 and was teased in a post-credits trailer included in The Devil in Me, the final part of Season 1.
Final Thoughts
Tony Pankhurst’s passing is a significant loss to the gaming and entertainment communities. His portrayal of the Curator in The Dark Pictures Anthology has left an indelible mark on the series and its fans. As the franchise continues to evolve, Pankhurst’s contributions will be remembered and cherished. The upcoming entries in The Dark Pictures Anthology will undoubtedly carry his legacy forward, continuing to captivate and terrify players around the world.
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