Tim Curry, the British actor whose career was transformed by “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has died at 80 after more than a decade of health complications following a major stroke. The actor suffered a stroke in 2012, which left him partially paralyzed and dependent on a wheelchair, yet he continued to work through voice roles, appearances and public celebrations of his most famous work. He died peacefully at his Los Angeles home on August 25, according to his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz.
Curry first became a stage sensation as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Show,” a role he originated in the 1973 London production before reprising it for the 1975 film. His career later included “Clue,” “Annie,” “Legend,” Stephen King’s “It,” “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and “Muppet Treasure Island.” He also earned three Tony nominations for his stage work and a Daytime Emmy for voicing Captain Hook in “Peter Pan and the Pirates.”
Tributes arrived from across Curry’s longtime circle. Susan Sarandon, his “Rocky Horror” co-star, remembered him as a “sexy original” and expressed her love for the actor. Carol Burnett, who appeared with Curry in “Annie,” called him a “dear friend” and said she felt blessed to have known him. Lesley Ann Warren, his “Clue” co-star, described him as a brilliant and hilarious “companion in crime.” Luke Evans, who played Frank-N-Furter in the current Broadway production, also paid tribute to Curry.
The Broadway revival of “The Rocky Horror Show” also honored Curry after his death. The cast performed “I’m Going Home” after an Aug. 26 performance, with Evans joining current Frank-N-Furter Paul Soileau and incoming cast member Jake Shears. Soileau called Curry the original “vessel” for the character and spoke about the worldwide family created through his performance.
Curry’s later years were shaped by the physical aftermath of his stroke, though his connection to audiences remained strong. His 2025 memoir, “Vagabond,” revisited the experience and his extraordinary career.