Tim Curry, the versatile performer who gained fame as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, has died at the age of 80. Reports indicate that Curry passed away at his home in Los Angeles.
Curry was renowned for roles that involved significant physical transformations, often making him unrecognisable. These included his portrayal of the flamboyant Dr Frank-N-Furter in both the 1973 stage show and the 1975 film adaptation of The Rocky Horror Show. He also played the Lord of Darkness in Ridley Scott's 1985 fantasy film Legend and Pennywise in the 1990 TV miniseries It, based on Stephen King's novel.
Born in 1946, Curry earned a drama and English degree from the University of Birmingham in 1968. His extensive career spanned over four decades in film, television, and theatre. Notable stage roles included the original West End production of Hair, Tristan Tzara in Tom Stoppard’s Travesties, Mozart in Broadway's Amadeus, and King Arthur in the Broadway run of Spamalot.
His film credits included Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Muppet Treasure Island, and numerous voiceover roles in animated films. On television, Curry appeared as William Shakespeare in a 1978 biography, Bill Sikes in a 1982 adaptation of Oliver Twist, and the wizard Trymon in 2008's The Colour of Magic, alongside many animated series and guest roles.
Curry experienced a stroke in 2012, which led to mobility issues and affected his short-term memory. He released his memoir, Vagabond, in 2025.