Tim Curry, Beloved Actor and Star of ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’, Passes Away at 80

Actor Tim Curry, famed for his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the classic film Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80. His longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed the news; the cause of death remains undisclosed.

English actor Curry became a fan favorite for his portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in 1975’s Rocky Horror Picture Show. He also won hearts in his role as Wadsworth in the movie Clue and through his chilling performance as Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It.

Tim Curry in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”Image: Collection Christophel / Alamy

Curry faced significant health challenges after suffering a stroke in 2012, which left him partially paralyzed and unable to walk.

Born on April 19, 1946, Curry built a remarkable career with hundreds of credits in film, television, and theater over five decades. His acting debut was on stage in London’s production of the musical Hair, before making his way to Los Angeles for his film and television career.

Tim Curry in “Clue” in 1985.Image: Paramount / Courtesy Everett Collection

Younger audiences may remember him as Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 musical film Annie, where he performed alongside Carol Burnett and Bernadette Peters. Curry also played Mr. Hector, the Plaza Hotel concierge in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and took on the role of Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island (1996).

In 1991, Curry won a Daytime Emmy for his voice work as Captain Hook in the animated series Peter Pan and the Pirates. Over his career, he earned three Tony nominations. His first was in 1980 for his role in Amadeus; his last was in 2005 for Spamalot, where he played King Arthur. In 1993, his performance as Alan Swann in My Favorite Year also earned him a nomination.

Last year, Curry released his memoir, Vagabond, celebrating the 50th anniversary of Rocky Horror Picture Show. Reflecting on his characters, he noted, “The distinctions between who I really am and who I’ve pretended to be as an actor have proven disappointing to some audiences. Yet, it hasn’t caused me much distress beyond deterring stalkers.”

In a recent interview with Ben Mankiewicz for “CBS Sunday Morning,” Curry discussed his love of acting, saying it offered him “the freedom of being somebody else.” His last on-camera appearance was in a wheelchair.

Additional details are awaited, as this story is still developing.