Tim Curry, the oddball English actor who gravitated toward playing kooky personalities like the extravagant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the cult film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and devilish villains like Pennywise the Clown in “It” and Mr. Hector in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” has died. He was 80.
Curry died peacefully at his Toluca Lake home on Wednesday, his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz confirmed. No cause of death was disclosed. Curry suffered a paralyzing stroke in 2012 that put him in a wheelchair, from which he said last year, “I’ve been recovering for quite a long time.”
Celebrated for his versatility, cartoonish expressions and flamboyant style — all paired with a distinctly wry sense of humor — Curry soared to fame for his portrayal of the androgynous mad-scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the midnight movie “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Curry originated Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the London stage musical “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in 1973. He then starred in the role in the American premiere of the production in Los Angeles in 1974 and later on Broadway in 1975, before the movie was released later that year.
He went on to play a wealth of sneering-yet-lovable villains, from the snooty concierge in “Home Alone 2” and the slick con artist Rooster in the original screen adaptation of “Annie” to the frantic butler Wadsworth in “Clue” and swashbuckling pirate Long John Silver in “Muppets Treasure Island,” among several others.
“I like playing the more curious corners of the human mind and human behavior, partly because they’re a tad more interesting,” Curry told The Associated Press in 1993.
Curry kept closely tied to theater throughout his career, moving seamlessly between the stage and the screen. He took on a broad range of stage roles, including King Arthur in “Spamalot,” Mozart’s rival in “Amadeus,” a Hollywood movie star in “My Favorite Year” and the Pirate King in “Pirates of Penzance.”
In the latter half of his six-decade career, Curry brought his mischievous lilt to a stretch of voice-acting roles, including “The Wild Thornberrys,” “Over The Garden Wall,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars” and “The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius.”
Still, it was Curry’s breakout performance in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” that colored his career.
“Playing somebody like that wakes you up to new dimensions of human nature,” Curry said of playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in his 2025 memoir, “Vagabond.”
“I can’t imagine a better role to enable me to embrace my contradictions and see them through,” he continued. “I learned not to limit myself — artistically, professionally, sexually or mentally.”
The nation mourns Tim Curry
As news of his death spreads, tributes to Curry are pouring in from Hollywood stars — who remembered the actor for his electrifying performances, wit, versatility and enduring impact on comedy, theater and pop culture.
Here is how some friends and Hollywood stars have paid tribute to Curry.
Rob Schneider
“Gutted. The sensational character actor, Tim Curry has left the stage,” wrote actor Rob Schneider, who acted alongside Curry in “Home Alone 2.”
“A truly gifted performer of stage and screen, his one eyebrow could say more than most actors entire bodies,” he continued. “I am grateful to have the rare gift of watching him work, he made you better just standing near him.”
Michael McKean
Michael McKean, who worked alongside Curry in “Clue,” reflected on a final conversation he had with Curry “about life and love and laughter.”
“The grim physical state he found himself in has now ended, a blessing,” he added. “Our blessing was that we had Tim Curry in our lives.”
Eric Idle
“Very sad to see the passing of Tim Curry, our first King Arthur,” wrote comedian Eric Idle, who worked with Curry on comedy projects such as “Spamalot.”
He added, “A fine man, singer, actor, host and gardener. He will be missed.”
The Muppets
The Muppets also paid tribute to Curry, who starred as the charming villain Long John Silver in the film “Muppet Treasure Island.”
“Few humans have earned the title of honorary Muppet more than the legendary Tim Curry. As a performer, he was unparalleled — witty, charming, unnerving, and deeply funny,” the statement said.
“We will always consider it one of our greatest treasures to have been part of Long John Silver’s crew. Thank you for everything, Tim.”
Rosie O’Donnell
Comedian Rosie O’Donnell wrote, “Sweetest man.”
Guillermo del Toro
“Goodnight sweet myth,” wrote director Guillermo del Toro.
Carol Burnett
“We had such a wonderful time working together on ‘Annie,’” actress Carol Burnett wrote in a tribute. “Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend.”
“I was blessed to know him.”
Lesley Ann Warren
“My dear companion in crime, the brilliant, hilarious, hysterically funny, magician of artistry has left us,” wrote Lesley Ann Warren, who co-starred with Curry in “Clue.”
“What an unbelievable joy to have shared a sound stage with him and to engage with such a master talent. I adored him. Bless his wild and inspired soul. Love you Tim.”