Tim Curry, ‘Rocky Horror’ Icon and Versatile Screen Star, Dies at 80

British actor and singer Tim Curry, best known for his unforgettable portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80.

Curry died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on August 25, 2026, according to reports. His manager confirmed his death, while no cause of death was disclosed.

Curry rose to international fame through The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the 1975 cult classic in which he played the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The role became one of the most iconic performances in film and helped establish Curry as a distinctive presence on both stage and screen.

His career extended far beyond Rocky Horror. Curry portrayed Pennywise the clown in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It, as well as memorable characters in films including Clue, Annie, Legend, The Three Musketeers and Home Alone 2. He was also celebrated for his stage work, including performances in Amadeus and Spamalot.

In 2012, Curry suffered a major stroke that left him partially paralysed and affected his mobility. Despite the setback, he continued working, appearing in voice roles and making occasional public appearances. He also released his memoir, Vagabond, in 2025.

Reflecting on his life and career in a 2025 interview with The Guardian, Curry said he was “astonished” by how ambitious he had been and expressed gratitude for the life he had lived.

Curry leaves behind a legacy spanning nearly six decades, with performances that made him a beloved figure across theatre, film and television.