Tim Curry, the British actor and singer whose portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” made him a cult icon and who went on to a decades-long career playing memorable villains and character roles, died Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles. He was 80.
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TMZ was first to report the death, citing sources who said Curry had dealt with serious health issues for more than a decade. Law enforcement sources told the outlet that police responded to his home around 11:23 p.m. Tuesday, and that no foul play is suspected.
Curry began his career on the London stage in the late 1960s, eventually originating the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1973 London production of “The Rocky Horror Show.” He reprised the role in the 1975 film adaptation, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which struggled with critics on release but developed a devoted following through midnight screenings and became one of the most enduring cult films in cinema history.
Curry’s film and television career spanned more than five decades. He played Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s “It,” a performance widely regarded as one of horror’s most enduring portrayals. He also appeared as Mr. Hector in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” and had roles in “Clue,” “Annie,” “The Hunt for Red October,” “Muppet Treasure Island” and “Scary Movie 2,” among numerous other film, television and voice acting credits.
Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012 that required brain surgery, which significantly limited his mobility in subsequent years. In his 2025 memoir, “Vagabond,” Curry wrote that he remained unable to walk following the stroke. Despite his health setbacks, he continued to work as a voice actor and made regular appearances at fan conventions.
Curry is survived by his family. Additional details, including funeral arrangements, have not yet been released.