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Tim Curry, the legendary British actor and comedian whose unmistakable voice, theatrical flair and screen presence made him a cult icon, has died at 80, according to a report from TMZ.
The outlet reported that Curry died late Tuesday, August 25, at his home in Los Angeles, with the news emerging the following day. In recent years, the beloved performer had endured significant health challenges. He suffered a debilitating stroke in 2012 that led to intensive neurosurgery, and he remained unable to walk for the rest of his life.
Across a remarkable career on stage and screen, Curry became known to generations of fans for a string of unforgettable roles. He terrified audiences as Pennywise the clown in the adaptation of Stephen King’s “It,” originated the role of Dr. Frank-n-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” before the musical became a film, anchored the beloved ensemble comedy “Clue,” and later appeared in “Monty Python’s Spamalot,” the acclaimed Broadway musical based on “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” A gifted theater performer, Curry earned three Tony Award nominations over the course of his career.
No cause of death had been disclosed as of this writing.
Tim Curry was a titan of the stage and screen for nearly six decades
20th Century Fox
Born in Cheshire, England, in 1946, Curry began making his name onstage as part of the original West End cast of “Hair,” the groundbreaking musical that helped steer him toward the role that would define his career. During his time with “Hair,” Curry met Richard O’Brien, who created Dr. Frank-n-Furter — the flamboyant, cross-dressing, pansexual mad scientist who welcomes a stranded young couple into his crumbling castle on a stormy night. Curry first brought the character to life in stage productions in London, Los Angeles and New York City, then reprised the role for the 1975 film version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” introducing Frank-n-Furter to audiences around the world.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” remained Curry’s signature role, and he often spoke warmly about the film’s long, strange and celebratory afterlife. In 2016, he returned to the world of “Rocky Horror” with a small role as the Criminologist in Kenny Ortega’s television revival, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do the Time Warp Again,” which starred Laverne Cox as Dr. Frank-n-Furter. Curry also marked the film’s 50th anniversary at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in 2025. Speaking to NPR in 2005, he described the movie as a “rite of passage,” adding that it was “a guaranteed weekend party to which you can go with or without a date and probably find one if you don’t have one, and it’s also a chance for people to try on a few roles for size, you know? Figure out, help them maybe figure out their own sexuality.”
Curry’s career extended far beyond “Rocky Horror,” with memorable turns in films including “Clue,” “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and “Muppet Treasure Island.” His death marks the loss of one of entertainment’s most distinctive performers, a singular talent whose work left an indelible mark on film, television and theater.
