Tim Curry, iconic character actor and ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ star, dies at 80

PUBLISHED Aug 26, 2026, 1:31 PM ET

Tim Curry, the British actor best known for playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at 80, his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz confirmed. Curry died at his Los Angeles home, with reports differing over whether the death occurred Tuesday night or Wednesday. No cause of death was disclosed. Curry rose to prominence after originating Frank-N-Furter in the 1973 London stage production of The Rocky Horror Show and reprising the role in the 1975 film. He later became known for Pennywise in Stephen King’s It, Wadsworth in Clue, the concierge in Home Alone 2 and roles on Broadway. Curry received three Tony nominations and won a Daytime Emmy. A 2012 stroke left him using a wheelchair, but he continued voice and screen work in recent years. His death prompted tributes from performers including Carol Burnett and Luke Evans. Curry published his memoir, Vagabond, in 2025.

By Sarah Whitman | JQJO News

Explain Framing

Left: Coverage emphasizes Curry’s cultural legacy, representation, fandom, and LGBTQ significance. Center: Coverage emphasizes confirmed death, career achievements, manager attribution, and undisclosed cause. Right: Coverage emphasizes iconic roles, personal resilience, health history, and entertainment legacy.