British actor Tim Curry, famous for his role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80. His death occurred on August 25 at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles. The cause of death was coronary artery disease, according to documents from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Additional health issues such as a history of stroke and kidney cancer were listed as contributing factors but not as the direct cause of death.
Curry had suffered a serious stroke in 2012 that left him wheelchair bound, according to Primetimer. He was unable to walk and could not speak for a time after the incident but later regained his ability to talk through therapy, according to a report from mercurynews.com. Despite his health challenges, Curry continued working professionally, especially as a voice actor.
He was best known for playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 film version of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This role originated on stage and later brought him international recognition as a cult figure. Beyond Rocky Horror, Curry appeared in many films including Clue, Muppet Treasure Island, and It. He also performed on Broadway, earning a Tony nomination for his role as King Arthur in Spamalot.
Colleagues and fellow entertainers paid tribute to Curry after news of his passing. Carol Burnett, Susan Sarandon, and others were among those who shared their memories of him, Yahoo News reported. Sarandon described Curry as funny, sexy, and full of heart. Even while confined to a wheelchair, he remained generous with fans and continued to make an impact.
Michael McKean noted that Curry’s physical condition had worsened over time but expressed relief that it was now at an end. Curry’s career spanned decades across theater, film, and television, leaving a lasting mark on pop culture. His legacy includes not only iconic roles but also a unique personality that resonated with audiences worldwide.
The actor passed away peacefully, as previously confirmed by his longtime manager and friend. Officers who arrived at his home investigated the scene but found no evidence of foul play.
IMAGE: 1994 Emmy Awards
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Scanned from the original 35MM film negative.. Photo: Alan Light / Wikimedia, taken 2011-10-29, CC BY 2.0