Tim Curry, the legendary actor known for unforgettable roles in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and It, has died. He was 80 years old.

Curry’s manager confirmed his death to CBS News. TMZ first reported that the actor died on Tuesday, Aug. 25.

According to USA TODAY, Curry faced ongoing health problems in his later years and revealed in 2025 that he continued to have difficulty with mobility following a stroke in 2012.

Early Life and Start in Acting

Timothy James Curry was born on April 19, 1946, in Grappenhall, Cheshire, England. His father, James Curry, was a Methodist chaplain, while his mother, Patricia, worked as a school secretary.

Curry showed an interest in performing while he was young. He later attended the University of Birmingham, where he studied English and drama. After graduating, he began pursuing acting professionally.

His big breakthrough came on the stage when he was cast as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the musical The Rocky Horror Show. Curry brought enormous energy and confidence to the unusual character, helping make the show a hit.

He took the role to the big screen in the 1975 movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Becoming a Cult Movie Legend

Although The Rocky Horror Picture Show was not an immediate mainstream success, it eventually became one of the most famous cult movies ever made.

Curry’s performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter was at the center of its popularity. His theatrical performance, memorable appearance and powerful singing voice helped turn the character into a pop culture icon.

The movie developed a devoted following through midnight screenings, where fans dressed as the characters, repeated lines from the film and participated in the show.

Decades later, Curry remained closely connected to the movie and its fans.

But Rocky Horror was only the beginning of his career.

From Comedy to Horror

Curry showed his range by taking on very different roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s.

He played the mysterious butler Wadsworth in the 1985 comedy Clue. The movie was based on the famous board game and featured Curry alongside an ensemble cast. While it had a modest response when first released, Clue later developed its own loyal cult following.

That same year, Curry appeared as the frightening Lord of Darkness in the fantasy movie Legend, starring Tom Cruise.

Then came one of Curry’s most terrifying performances.

In 1990, he played Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the television miniseries Stephen King’s It. Pennywise was an evil creature that often appeared in the form of a clown while terrorizing the children of Derry, Maine.

Curry’s performance helped make Pennywise one of the most recognizable horror villains of the era. For many viewers, his version of the character became one of the defining images of the Stephen King story.

He could also make audiences laugh.

Curry played the suspicious hotel concierge Mr. Hector in the 1992 family comedy Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. His facial expressions and comic timing made the character memorable even though Curry was part of a large supporting cast.

His other film credits included Annie, The Three Musketeers, Muppet Treasure Island, Congo, Scary Movie 2 and many more.

A Familiar Voice

Curry also built a major career as a voice actor.

His distinctive voice appeared in numerous animated television shows, movies and video games. He provided voices for projects including The Wild Thornberrys, Gargoyles, Peter Pan & the Pirates and other animated productions.

Curry’s work on Peter Pan & the Pirates earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for his performance as Captain Hook.

His voice became almost as recognizable as his face, allowing him to continue reaching younger generations of fans.

His Stage Career

Despite his success in Hollywood, Curry never left his stage roots behind.

He appeared in major theater productions on both sides of the Atlantic and received multiple Tony Award nominations during his career.

One of his best-known later stage performances came in the Broadway musical Spamalot, inspired by Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Curry played King Arthur in the production and received another Tony nomination.

His combination of acting, comedy and singing made him especially well suited for musical theater.

Life After His Stroke

Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012. The health crisis affected his mobility and eventually required him to use a wheelchair.

Despite those challenges, Curry continued making appearances and remained involved with acting and entertainment when possible.

In 2025, he spoke openly about the lasting effects of his stroke during an appearance at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Curry explained that he still could not walk and continued to have serious problems with his left leg.

The physical limitations meant he could no longer perform the way he once had, particularly when it came to singing and dancing on stage.

Still, Curry continued appearing at fan events and celebrations connected to his famous work. His appearances were often greeted warmly by generations of viewers who had grown up watching his movies.