Tim Curry dies at 80: Rocky Horror and It star remembered for iconic roles

Actor Tim Curry, whose unforgettable performances ranged from Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show to the terrifying Pennywise in It, has died at the age of 80.

Curry died at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, California, on Tuesday, 25 August 2026.

His death was confirmed by his longtime manager, Marcia Hurwitz. A specific official cause of death was not immediately released.

Curry had faced serious health challenges after suffering a major stroke in 2012.

Tim Curry became an icon as Dr. Frank-N-Furter

For generations of fans, Curry will be remembered for his performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Curry originated the role on stage before taking the character to the big screen.

His flamboyant portrayal of the “sweet transvestite” helped turn Dr. Frank-N-Furter into a global pop culture icon and became one of the defining performances of Curry’s career.

A terrifying turn as Pennywise in It

Curry showed a different side of his talent when he played Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the original 1990 television miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It.

His performance became one of his most celebrated roles and helped popularise the evil clown figure in modern horror.

Curry initially resisted extensive make-up for the character before agreeing to a design that relied heavily on his naturally expressive facial movements rather than thick prosthetics.

Pennywise’s distinctive gravelly voice was based on a combination of a Bronx accent and an old-fashioned cinema usher Curry had heard.

The performance terrified a generation of viewers and became one of the most recognisable portrayals of the Stephen King villain.

From Clue to Home Alone 2

Curry’s career stretched far beyond his two most famous characters.

He played Wadsworth the butler in the 1985 film Clue and appeared as the hotel concierge in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York in 1992.

He also played Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island in 1996.

His ability to move between horror, comedy and larger-than-life characters helped establish a body of work spanning film, television and theatre.

Success on stage and in voice acting

Curry also built an acclaimed career in theatre and animation.

His stage work earned him multiple Tony Award nominations, while his voice work earned him a Daytime Emmy Award.

From the outrageous charisma of Dr. Frank-N-Furter to the sinister smile of Pennywise, Curry created characters that remained memorable decades after their first appearances.

He was 80.

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