British actor Tim Curry, best known for playing Dr Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show," has died at 80. He died at his home in Los Angeles, California, according to a statement from his manager Marcia Hurwitz on Wednesday.
The cause of death has not been disclosed. Curry had faced health complications since suffering a stroke in 2012.
Curry rose to prominence as Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Show," which premiered at London’s Royal Court Theatre in 1973. He reprised the role in the 1975 film adaptation, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
His performance as the eccentric scientist became his defining role and helped establish the film as a cult classic.
Curry also earned 3 Tony Award nominations for his Broadway work and received an Emmy nomination. He later built a diverse career across film, television, and voice acting.
Among his notable film credits were "Clue," "Annie," “The Hunt for Red October," “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," “Muppet Treasure Island," and “Scary Movie 2."
He also played Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s "It," introducing him to a new generation of audiences.
Tributes followed news of his death, including from Susan Sarandon, who co-starred with Curry in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Sarandon praised him as a “funny, sexy, original” performer.
Rob Schneider, who worked with Curry in “Home Alone 2," also paid tribute, describing him as a gifted performer of stage and screen.
Curry published his memoir, "Vagabond," in 2025.