British actor Tim Curry dies at 80 after six-decade career in film and theater

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British actor Tim Curry dies at 80 after six-decade career in film and theater
Tim Curry, Rocky Horror Picture Show star and Tony-nominated actor, dies at 80
ContinuationBritish actor Tim Curry, known for Rocky Horror Picture Show, dies at 80 in Los Angeles
British actor Tim Curry died at his Los Angeles home on Wednesday at the age of 80, his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz confirmed.
Curry built a nearly six-decade career across theater, film, television and voice work, becoming best known for his villainous roles. His most iconic performances included Dr. Frank-N-Furter in *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*, Pennywise in the 1990 adaptation of *It*, and Mr. Hector in *Home Alone 2: Lost in New York*. He retired from on-screen acting in 2012 after a major stroke left his left side paralyzed, though he continued voice work.
Tributes poured in from co-stars and admirers. Susan Sarandon, who played Janet opposite Curry’s Frank-N-Furter in *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*, posted photos of them together on Instagram, writing, “What a funny, sexy, original he was. 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. Love you, S.” Barry Bostwick, who portrayed Brad in the same film, referenced its music in his tribute: “The river was deep but you swam it… the road was long but you ran it. Dammit Tim, I love you!”
Luke Evans, who played Frank-N-Furter in the 2026 Broadway production of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*, shared a letter he had written to Curry three weeks earlier, calling him “a force, a bright fierce flame, an exquisite charm” and thanking him for his “fearless performance.” Evans added, “There will only be one Tim Curry. All the rest of us will just have to do our best to emulate some of the magic of that role.”
Richard O’Brien, creator of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*, issued a statement to the New Zealand Herald, saying, “Tim Curry was a wonderful man by nature who was also a wonderful performer and understood the difference between such delightful achievements. He never sought attention and never put himself before the roles that he played.”
Other tributes came from Carol Burnett, who called Curry “lovable” in their work together on *Annie*, and Stephen King, author of *It*. The official *Muppets* Instagram account described Curry as “witty, charming, unnerving and deeply funny,” referencing his role in *Muppet Treasure Island* .
Born in 1946 in Cheshire, England, Curry joined the Royal Shakespeare Company early in his career before landing the role of Frank-N-Furter in the original London stage production of *The Rocky Horror Picture Show* in 1973. His performance in the 1975 film adaptation, directed by Jim Sharman, became a cultural touchstone .
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