Tim Curry, Iconic Actor Behind Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Dies at 80

Tim Curry died at his Los Angeles home on August 25 2026 at age 80. His longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz confirmed the death. The Los Angeles Police Department responded that night, reported no foul play and did not disclose a cause of death.

CNN

Born April 19 1946 in Grappenhall, Cheshire, England, Curry launched his career in the West End production of *Hair* (1968). He originated Dr. Frank-N-Furter in *The Rocky Horror Show* (1973) and reprised the role on Broadway and in the 1975 film that became a cult midnight-movie classic. Over five decades he appeared in films such as *Annie*, *Clue*, *Legend*, *Home Alone 2* and the TV miniseries *It* (1990). He earned three Tony nominations, a Daytime Emmy for voice work, and a Grammy nomination for spoken-word.

CBS News

• 1968 – West End debut in *Hair*.

The Wrap

• 1973 – Originated Dr. Frank-N-Furter in London.

Tim Curry, Rocky Horror Star and Three-Time Tony Nominee, Dies at 80

• 1975 – Film version of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show* released.

W Magazine

• 1990 – Played Pennywise in TV miniseries *It*.

Hollywood Reporter

• 2012 – Suffered a major stroke; thereafter focused on voice work.

Tim Curry, Beloved Star, Dies at 80

• 2025 – Published memoir *Vagabond* and gave a final televised interview on CBS Sunday Morning.

'Rocky Horror' Actor Tim Curry Dead at 80

• August 25 2026 – Death in Los Angeles.

CNN

• Age at death: 80

CNN

• Years active: ? 58 (1968-2026)

The Wrap

• Tony nominations: 3

Billboard

• Emmy win: 1 (1991, voice-over)

Tim Curry, unforgettable star of ‘Rocky Horror,’ ‘Clue’ and ‘It,’ dies at 80

• Grammy nomination: 1 (2002, spoken-word)

Billboard

The Los Angeles Police Department noted emergency personnel arrived at 10:42 p.m. on August 25 and that no foul play was suspected. In his 2025 CBS interview, Curry said he did not fear death and would “welcome it” when the time came.

CNN

Curry’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter defined the modern cult-film phenomenon, offering LGBTQ+ audiences a visible, celebratory figure and cementing the midnight-screen tradition. His shift to voice work after his 2012 stroke highlighted the adaptability of performers facing health setbacks and influenced industry attitudes toward inclusive casting for disabled actors.

Billboard

Most outlets (NBC News, CNN, BBC) list Curry’s death as August 25 2026, while Broadway.com cites August 26 2026. The precise cause of death remains undisclosed; police reports confirm no foul play but give no medical explanation.

CNN