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Tim Curry, the legendary British actor whose unforgettable performances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, IT, Clue and countless other projects made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable character actors, has died. He was 80.

Curry died Tuesday, August 25, at his home in Los Angeles, according to multiple reports. His death comes after years of health struggles following a major stroke in 2012.

Born Timothy James Curry in England in 1946, Curry began his professional career on the stage, joining the original London production of Hair in 1968. It was theater that would eventually lead him to the role that changed his career forever.

Curry originated the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1973 London production of The Rocky Horror Show before bringing the character to the big screen in 1975’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show. While the film was not initially a major success, it eventually became one of cinema’s most enduring cult classics through its legendary midnight screenings and audience participation.

Curry’s fearless performance as Frank-N-Furter became a defining piece of pop culture and remained closely associated with the actor throughout his career.

But Curry’s work extended far beyond Rocky Horror.

Tim Curry as Pennywise [Lorimar Television, DawnField Entertainment]

Horror fans knew him as the terrifying Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s IT. His performance helped turn Pennywise into a horror icon decades before the character returned to theaters.

Curry was equally memorable as Wadsworth in the 1985 cult comedy Clue and as the imposing Lord of Darkness in Ridley Scott’s Legend. His extensive film credits also included Annie, The Hunt for Red October, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, The Three Musketeers, Muppet Treasure Island, Charlie’s Angels and Scary Movie 2.

His career also included decades of stage and voice work. Curry earned three Tony Award nominations, including recognition for his performances in Amadeus, My Favorite Year and Monty Python’s Spamalot. He also became a prolific voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to numerous animated series, films and video games.

In 2012, Curry suffered a major stroke that significantly affected his mobility. Although the health setback limited his live-action work, he continued making appearances and taking on select projects. He later returned to the world of Rocky Horror as the Criminologist in Fox’s 2016 television adaptation.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

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Curry released his memoir, Vagabond, in 2025 and participated in celebrations surrounding the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, giving fans another opportunity to celebrate the performer behind one of cinema’s most enduring characters.

Across more than five decades, Curry built a career unlike almost anyone else’s. Whether audiences remember him as Frank-N-Furter, Pennywise, Wadsworth, Darkness or one of the countless characters brought to life by his unmistakable voice, his performances left an impact that stretched across film, television, theater and generations of fans.