Tim Curry, Iconic Actor Behind “Rocky Horror” and Pennywise, Dies at 80

Tim Curry, the British actor celebrated for his flamboyant turn as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in *The Rocky Horror Picture Show* and his chilling portrayal of Pennywise in the 1990 TV adaptation of Stephen King’s *It*, died at his Los Angeles home at age 80. The death was confirmed by his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz. No cause of death has been released.

Tim Curry, ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ star, dies: TMZ

Born in Grappenhall, Cheshire, on April 19, 1946, Curry launched his career in the West End production of *Hair* (1968) after studying drama at the University of Birmingham. He originated Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the stage version of *The Rocky Horror Show* (1973) and reprised it for the cult-classic film (1975).

Tim Curry, Rocky Horror Picture Show Star, Dead at 80

Beyond *Rocky Horror*, Curry earned three Tony nominations (*Amadeus*, *My Favorite Year*, *Spamalot*) and a Daytime Emmy for voicing Captain Hook in *Peter Pan & the Pirates* (1991). His screen credits include *Clue* (1985), *Legend* (1985) and the miniseries *It* (1990).

New York Post

Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012, which left him partially paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. Despite limited mobility, he continued voice work and occasional cameos, including the 2024 horror film *Stream*.

Scripps News (Newsy)

• Birth: April 19, 1946 (age 80)

NBC Los Angeles

• Death: August 25, 2026 – reported on August 26, 2026

Pink News

• Stroke: 2012 (major) – some reports list 2013

Tim Curry, Beloved Star, Dies at 80

• Awards: 1 Daytime Emmy (1991), 3 Tony nominations, >100 voice-acting credits

Rolling Stone

• Los Angeles Police Department said officers responded to Curry’s North Hollywood residence around 11:23 p.m. on August 25 and found no evidence of foul play.

Newsweek

• Los Angeles Fire Department corroborated the timeline, reporting a call for a “death investigation” at the same hour.

Newsweek

Law-enforcement sources described the scene as a routine death investigation with no suspicious circumstances. No autopsy details have been released, and the medical examiner’s findings remain pending.

Newsweek

• Cause of death: All statements agree that a cause has not been disclosed.

Pink News

• Stroke year: Most sources cite 2012, while a few later articles reference 2013.

Tim Curry, Beloved Star, Dies at 80

• “I like playing the more curious corners of the human mind and human behavior, partly because they’re a tad more interesting,” — Tim Curry

UsNews and World Report

Curry’s estate has not announced any memorial service dates. Tributes continue to flow from fans and fellow performers, underscoring his lasting impact on cult cinema, theater, and voice acting.

IndieWire