Actor Tim Curry, star of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' passes away
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Actor Tim Curry has “peacefully” died at 80 years old, following years of health struggles.
He died at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, on Aug. 25, 2026, his manager Marcia Hurwitz confirmed.
“Few actors can claim to have left as many distinct fingerprints on pop culture,” read a statement from his publicist.
“Though widely known for his inimitable, flamboyant characters and colorful stage performances, his greatest legacies to those who knew him were his curious, expansive mind and generous, gentle heart, both of which remained open and filled with anticipation until his final breath.”
The English actor is best remembered for his iconic role as the “sweet transvestite” Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, co-starring Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick.
His salacious portrayal of the gender-fluid mad scientist character, clad in a tight corset, dark vampy makeup, and fishnets, is praised as cementing the future of queer cinema forever.
It gave LGBTQ+ viewers brazen representation during a time when the flamboyant expression of queerness was vastly limited.
He told The Hollywood Reporter in 2025 that the film's embrace by the LGBTQ+ community “means a lot because I think the message of the film — don’t dream it, be it — is very important. One of the things that the movie does, I think, is give anyone permission to behave as badly as they really want, in whatever way and with whom. And I’m proud of that.”
He is also celebrated for his notable roles in "It," “Home Alone 2”, “Muppet Treasure Island,” John Huston’s 1982 musical “Annie,” and in the 1985 cult mystery film “Clue.”
In 2012, Curry suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed and using a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.