British actor Tim Curry, whose performances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, It and Clue made him one of the most recognisable character actors of his generation, has died aged 80.
Curry died at his home in Los Angeles, according to reports. His death was confirmed by his manager, Marcia Hurwitz. A cause of death has not been announced.
Born on April 19, 1946, in Cheshire, England, Curry began his career on the stage before moving into film and television. His early theatre work included the original London production of Hair in 1968.
His defining breakthrough came with The Rocky Horror Show, in which he originated the role of Dr Frank-N-Furter. He reprised the character in the 1975 film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which initially had a modest reception but later developed a devoted following through midnight screenings.
The film’s enduring popularity turned Curry’s performance into a defining piece of pop culture and established him as a performer willing to take unconventional roles.
Curry’s career, however, extended well beyond Rocky Horror.
He played Wadsworth, the eccentric butler, in the 1985 comedy Clue and gave a memorable performance as Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It. His other film credits included Annie, Legend, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Three Musketeers, Muppet Treasure Island and Charlie’s Angels.
Acclaimed stage career
Curry remained closely connected to theatre throughout his career.
He received three Tony Award nominations for his performances in Amadeus, My Favorite Year and Spamalot. He played King Arthur in Spamalot, the musical based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
His distinctive baritone voice also opened another avenue in animation and television. He won a Daytime Emmy for his voice work in Peter Pan and the Pirates and contributed to numerous animated productions.
Curry was also a singer and musician, releasing several albums and performing with a rock band during his career.
Life after his stroke
Curry’s career was significantly affected by a major stroke he suffered in 2012. The health setback left him using a wheelchair and reduced his on-screen appearances, although he continued working, particularly in voice roles.
He nevertheless remained connected to his fans and the Rocky Horror legacy. In 2025, he appeared at a 50th-anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. That same year, he published his memoir, Vagabond.
His later screen work included a role in the 2024 horror film Stream.
Curry never married and had no children. He lived in Los Angeles in his later years.
With a career spanning almost six decades, Curry moved comfortably between theatre, film, television, music and voice acting. While Dr Frank-N-Furter remains his most enduring character, his body of work demonstrated a much wider range, from comedy and horror to musicals and animation.
His death marks the passing of an actor whose willingness to embrace unusual characters helped make him a distinctive presence on stage and screen for generations.
