At a glance…
- Tim Curry passed away on 25 August, 2026, at the age of 80.
- The Rocky Horror Picture Show co-stars share tributes, honouring his “sweet and generous” nature.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show icon, Tim Curry sadly passed away at 80 years old.
Manager and long-time friend, Marcia Hurwitz confirmed Tim “passed away peacefully at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles on August 25.”
The cause of his death has been revealed by People to be from a coronary artery disease, as per documents obtained from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. The publication also claimed the documents listed a history of stroke and kidney cancer as significant conditions which contributed to his death.
However, Tim suffered ill health for more than a decade after suffering a major stroke in 2012. Doctors quickly discovered two blood clots on Tim’s brain, leading to emergency surgery.
Such an invasive surgery caused a significant impact on the British actor’s short-term memory and he needed to learn how to walk again. Tim relied on a wheelchair, suffering from mobility issues in his left arm and leg.
During these 14 years, Tim never stopped pursuing his passion by switching to voice work.
While the Warrington-born star is most recognised for his roles on-screen, Tim’s career began in theatre with the 1968 London West End production of Hair.
In 1973, Tim was approached by Richard O’Brien to audition for his new musical, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, as the “sweet” transgender Dr Frank-N-Furter. Two years later, the musical was transformed for the big-screen, which starred Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick and Richard.
In that same year, Tim confessed he was initially concerned that his career would be defined by such an outlandish role. “When I read it, I just thought it was very, very witty and funny,” he said, as per the ABC.
“I mean, I was hesitant in that, if it worked, it might be a difficult thing to shake off. But, really, I’ve always thought that it [a part] wasn’t worth doing unless you took a risk.”
But as we know, it was a risk well taken.
Tim became recognised for his hilarious, and often villainous, roles. And, no matter which decade you were raised, there’s a likely chance you’ve grown up watching Tim.
He starred in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), It (1990), Scary Movie 2 (2001), Annie (1982), Charlie’s Angels (2000), Legend (1985), and so much more. But there was one film in particular that Tim adored more than others, and that was the 1996 Muppet Treasure Island.
“The great thing is that the Muppeteers themselves, if they have their puppet on their hand, they only talk to you as the character. I love that,” Tim recalled to The Guardian, adding he’d “love to work with the Muppets again.”
In his career, Tim earned three Tony nominations for his role in Spamalot, My Favourite Year and Amadeus, and won an Emmy for his voice work on the animated film Peter Pan & the Pirates.
Tributes to Tim Curry
Countless stars that shared the stage and screen with Tim have shared heartfelt tributes.
Susan Sarandon, who portrayed Janet Weiss in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, praised Tim as a “funny, sexy, original.”
“But what I loved about him most was his heart. Even wheelchair bound he continued to be so sweet and generous with his fans. Thank you Tim for meaning so much to so many people,” she wrote.
Rob Schneider, who starred alongside Tim in Home Alone 2, remembered him as a “true triple threat.”
“I have never known another actor who could say more with a knowing grin or a raised eyebrow than the splendid Tim Curry,” he began.
“Most actors will do a scene the same way and try to perfect it. I was astonished as a young actor to witness Tim do a scene 7 completely different ways and ALL OF THEM FANTASTIC! I asked him about it, and he gave me a great gift. Tim said, ‘I want to give the director different choices! It’s not my job to decide which one. It’s up to him!’ Right then and there, it changed everything for me! Tim was kind and generous to be in a scene with. I was thrilled to be in the same frame as him.”
Luke Evans, who has taken on the role of mad scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter and received a Tony nomination earlier this year, sent an emotional letter to Tim just weeks before his death.
Honouring Tim’s legacy, the Dracula Untold star shared the letter to his Instagram followers.
“Being compared to you has been one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received, even though it’s a comparison no one could ever hope to live up to.. There is, and always will be, only one Tim Curry,” he wrote.
“I’ve never tried to recreate what you did. That would be impossible. I simply hoped to honour the extraordinary character you brought to life, while finding my own way through him.”
“I just wanted to say thank you. For your fearless performance, for creating something so enduring, and for inspiring generations of actors to be a little braver than they thought they could be. I hope, wherever you are, you’d approve of one more Frank having the time of life in those heels,” he concluded.
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