Tim Curry, British actor and ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ icon, dies at 80

Tim Curry, best known for playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has died. He was 80. 

Curry’s death was confirmed by his publisher, Jimmy Franco, senior director of publicity at Grand Central Publishing. “Yes, it is true and very sad indeed.” Franco added that he did not have a statement to share at this time.

The LAPD confirmed to Fox News Digital that officers responded at approximately 11:20 p.m. Tuesday for a death investigation involving a male described as being in his 80s at home. TMZ reported that “no foul play” is suspected. 

Curry became a pop-culture icon after starring as Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” having originated the role in the original 1973 London stage production before taking it to Broadway and the big screen.

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The cult classic, which also starred Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick and Meat Loaf, became known for midnight screenings, audience participation and songs including “The Time Warp.”

Curry also was known for playing Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries “It,” Wadsworth in “Clue,” the concierge in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and the villainous Cardinal Richelieu in “The Three Musketeers.”

His career spanned theater, film and television. Curry earned three Tony Award nominations for “My Favorite Year,” “Amadeus” and “Spamalot.” He won a Daytime Emmy Award, and also received a Primetime Emmy nomination.

“I like playing the more curious corners of the human mind and human behavior, partly because they’re a tad more interesting,” Curry told the Associated Press in 1993.

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The British actor had a major stroke in 2012 that left him using a wheelchair. He continued working in voice acting and returned to live-action film in 2024 with “Stream.”

Curry was born in Cheshire, England, the son of a Navy chaplain and a school secretary. His father died when Curry was 12.

He discovered acting as a teenager and studied at the University of Birmingham before heading to London, where he landed his first West End job in “Hair.”

“I took an academic course, which I largely ignored, I’m afraid, and just acted all the time,” he said to the Associated Press.

His work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal Court Theatre eventually led to “The Rocky Horror Show.”

In his 2025 memoir, “Vagabond,” Curry reflected on the difference between his private life and the characters he played.

“The distinctions between who I really am and who I’ve pretended to be as an actor have proven to be a source of great disappointment to some audiences. It has not caused me much personal distress beyond the periodic necessity to deter stalkers,” he wrote.

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Following news of Curry’s death, tributes began pouring in from fellow actors who remembered the actor and the iconic characters he created.

Michael McKean, who proudly called Curry his friend, shared on X, “My last conversation with Tim Curry was about life and love and laughter. The grim physical state he found himself in has now ended, a blessing. Our blessing was that we had Tim Curry in our lives. RIP, my friend.”

Luke Evans, who recently played Frank-N-Furter on Broadway, revealed he had written Curry a letter just three weeks ago.

“There will only be one Tim Curry,” Evans wrote, describing him as “a force, a bright fierce flame” and an inspiration.

“I hope, wherever you are, you’d approve of one more Frank having the time of his life in those heels,” Evans wrote in part.

Lesley Ann Warren, Curry’s “Clue” co-star, called him “the brilliant, hilarious, hysterically funny, magician of artistry.”

“I adored him. Bless his wild and inspired soul. Love you Tim,” she wrote.

Fellow British actor Robin Askwith also paid tribute to Curry on X, writing, “RIP Tim Curry. Seems like yesterday Royal Court Upstairs. Seriously good…..”

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The official Muppets account also remembered Curry’s performance as Long John Silver in 1996’s “Muppet Treasure Island.”

“Few humans have earned the title of honorary Muppet more than the legendary Tim Curry. As a performer he was unparalleled – witty, charming, unnerving, and deeply funny,” the Instagram account wrote.

“We will always consider it one of our greatest treasures to have been part of Long John Silver’s crew. Thank you for everything, Tim.” 

“The Parent Trap” star Elaine Hendrix wrote on social media, “And the blows keep coming. I worked with Tim Curry in the 90s. He was THE kindest man. I adored him up close and from a far since discovering ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ while I was in High School. I was a huge fan of him! What a talent. What a gentleman. What an honor. RIP Tim”

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Ireland Baldwin wrote on Instagram, “Two of my biggest inspirations passed away at 80. Crazy how their presence as performers led me to believe that they are immortal and couldn’t possibly ever be gone. Fly HIGH above this crazy world.” 

Rosie O’Donnell shared a photo of Curry on Instagram, writing, “Sweetest man. #timcurry #rockyhorrorpictureshow”

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The legendary actor never married and had no children. He remained private about his personal life while continuing to connect with fans through his work.

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When asked by Los Angeles magazine in 2015 how he viewed “Rocky Horror,” Curry said, “With a sort of bemused tolerance. It’s neither a blessing nor a curse. I was lucky to get it.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.