British acting legend Tim Curry, best known for his unforgettable roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and It, has died at the age of 80.
Curry died on Tuesday night, 25 August, at his home in Los Angeles, according to reports.
Law enforcement sources told TMZ that officers responded to Curry’s home at around 23:23, with no foul play suspected.
A cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
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A career-defining Dr Frank-N-Furter
Curry shot to international fame after portraying Dr Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The role transformed him into a pop-culture icon, with the film eventually developing a devoted following through midnight screenings and becoming one of cinema’s most enduring cult phenomena.
His career stretched across stage, television and film, with Curry earning three Tony Award nominations for his theatre work and continuing to perform for decades.
Pennywise terrified a generation
Tim Curry also became synonymous with one of horror’s most recognisable villains when he played Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It.
His portrayal of the sinister clown remains one of the most memorable performances in the adaptation’s history.
Curry’s other film credits included Clue, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Annie, The Hunt for Red October, Muppet Treasure Island and Scary Movie 2.
Health struggles
Tim Curry’s career was significantly affected by a major stroke he suffered in 2012.
The stroke left him with serious mobility problems and he subsequently focused much of his work on voice acting and other performances that accommodated his health.
In his 2025 memoir, Vagabond, Curry discussed his life and career while reflecting on the lasting impact of his health struggles.
Despite those challenges, he remained connected to the entertainment world and continued working, including voice performances.
Remembering a Hollywood icon
Tim Curry’s career spanned more than five decades and crossed multiple generations of audiences.
For some, he will forever be the flamboyant Dr Frank-N-Furter. For others, he will be remembered as the terrifying Pennywise, the eccentric Wadsworth in Clue or the memorable concierge in Home Alone 2.
His extraordinary range allowed him to move effortlessly between horror, comedy, musical theatre and dramatic performances.
Tim Curry leaves behind a legacy defined by some of the most distinctive characters ever brought to the screen and stage.
