Tim Curry, star of Rocky Horror Picture Show, dies aged 80

Legendary English actor and Rocky Horror Picture Show star Tim Curry has died at the age of 80.

The actor, who had suffered from significant health problems since a major stroke in 2012 left him unable to walk, passed away in his Los Angeles home.

Law enforcement officials said that no foul play is suspected in his death.

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The British actor was known for larger-than-life characters, including Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 It miniseries.

He also had well-known roles in Clue, Muppet Treasure Island and Home Alone 2.

Born in Cheshire on April 19, 1946, Curry secured his first significant acting role at the age of 22 in a production of Hair: The Musical.

It is here where he met Richard O’Brien, who went on to create Curry’s iconic role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 film.

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In the 1980s, he found mainstream success as the villain in Annie, before starring in Ian McEwan’s The Ploughman’s Lunch and Ridley Scott’s Legend.

The following decade saw him take on the monstrous Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the a TV series adaption of Stephen King’s It. He also played Mr Hector, the concierge, in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island.

In the 2000s, he went on to feature in Charlie's Angels, Scary Movie 2 and Kinsey. He also received a Tony nomination for his role as King Arthur in Monty Python’s Spamalot,

However, a stroke in 2012 went on to dramatically alter the course of his life.

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He told The Guardian that his masseur called an ambulance for him, despite the actor initially dismissing everything as fine.

The stroke and brain surgery that followed resulted in him having to use a wheelchair, and he was left with health complications ever since.

In September, 2025, the actor attended a Rocky Horror screening to celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary with his co-stars.

Speaking to the audience, Curry said: “I still can't walk, which is why I'm in this silly chair, and that's very limiting. So I won't be singing and I won't be dancing very soon. I still have real problems with my left leg.”