English actor Tim Curry, renowned for his scene-stealing role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and his performance as Pennywise the clown in IT, has died at the age of 80.
Curry passed away on Tuesday, August 25 at his home in Los Angeles, California, according to United States media reports. His manager confirmed the news of his death to American broadcaster CBS News.
Police officers responded to the actor's residence shortly before 11:30 p.m. and confirmed they believe there is no suspicion of foul play in the case.
The cause of Curry's death was not immediately made public. However, American media outlets reported that the actor had been plagued by serious health issues for more than a decade. His death came 14 years after he suffered a paralyzing stroke in 2012, after which he continued to maintain a public presence.
Iconic role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter
Curry's long career was defined by his portrayal of the demonic Dr. Frank-N-Furter, described as a sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania, in the offbeat musical comedy created by composer, playwright, and actor Richard O'Brien. The stage production, which parodied science fiction and B-movie horror films, launched Curry into international stardom.
He first played the character on the London stage under the direction of Jim Sharman. He later transferred the role to theatre productions in Los Angeles and New York before starring in Sharman's 1975 film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Although the film initially failed at the box office, it eventually gained a massive global audience as a midnight cult movie classic.
Much like classic horror icons Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi, whose respective performances as Victor Frankenstein's monster and Dracula in 1930s Universal Pictures movies inspired Rocky Horror and cemented their cinematic personas, Curry's image became permanently defined by his performance as the outrageous, corset-wearing mad scientist.
Reflections on fame and risk
Speaking about the breakthrough role during a television interview in London in 1975, Curry said the production seemed like something that would go well. He added prophetically at the time that he had been hesitant to take the part because, if it succeeded, it might prove to be an image that was difficult to shake off. However, he noted that he often felt a project was not worth doing unless an actor took a risk.
Beyond his defining theatrical role, Curry enjoyed a versatile acting career across film, television, and theatre. His prominent screen credits included the 1982 film adaptation of the stage musical Annie, the 1985 mystery comedy Clue, and the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King's horror novel IT, in which he played the terrifying clown Pennywise.
Stage awards and musical career
Throughout his multi-decade career in entertainment, Curry received significant industry recognition. He won one Emmy Award, which honors excellence in the television industry. He also earned nominations for one Grammy Award, two Laurence Olivier Awards for West End theatre in London, and three Tony Awards for Broadway theatrical performances in New York.
In addition to his acting work, Curry was a recording artist who released three studio albums. In 2025, he published his personal memoir, titled Vagabond.
