Tim Curry, star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Home Alone 2, dies aged 80

Actor Tim Curry, who starred in classic such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Home Alone 2, has died aged 80. Curry, who had struggled with his health since 2012 after suffering a stroke, passed away at his home, according to his long-time manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed. Media reports said his death is not being treated as suspicious. Curry struggled with his health since having a stroke in 2012 which left him partly paralysed (Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty) Curry, who was born in Cheshire village Grappenhall in 1946, and had a glittering career which spanned the screen and stage, was known for his villainous roles, and distinctive booming voice. In 1965 he started studying drama and English at the University of Birmingham. After graduating, he landed his first acting job in the original London production of rock musical Hair in 1968.He later found fame playing mad scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter in 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which became a cult classic. He also starred in the stage version of the show and his first appearance as the scientist was London’s West End in 1973.Speaking at an event at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles to mark the film’s 50th anniversary last year, Curry spoke about it being embraced by the LGBTQ audience. Curry starring in The Rocky Horror Picture Show (Photo: Film Publicity Archive) According to The Hollywood Reporter, he said that it “means a lot because I think the message of the film – don’t dream it, be it – is very important”. He added: “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 well-known for playing a hotel concierge in the second Home Alone movie which was released in 1992, and also starred in the 1982 musical film Annie as con artist Rooster Hannigan. His other roles include him portraying sinister clown Pennywise in a 1990 TV mini-series version of Stephen King’s book IT, and Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island (1996).Curry, who was partly paralysed and needed to use a wheelchair after his stroke, earned three Tony nominations — for Spamalot, My Favorite Year and Amadeus — and an Emmy nod in 1994.Tributes have flooded in for Curry on social media, including from Carol Burnett, who starred alongside him in Annie. Burnett shared a video from the film, featuring a dance sequence on the staircase of the New York orphanage, and wrote: “We had such a wonderful time working together on Annie. “Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend. I was blessed to know him.” Stephen King said in a post on Threads: “Tim Curry, the original Pennywise. RIP” Michael McKean, who starred alongside Curry in the 1985 murder mystery film Clue, wrote: “My last conversation with Tim Curry was about life and love and laughter. “The grim physical state he found himself in has now ended, a blessing. Our blessing was that we had Tim Curry in our lives. RIP, my friend.” Welsh actor Luke Evans, who starred as Dr Frank in the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Picture Show said the actor was an “inspiration”. He said: “He was a force, a bright fierce flame, an exquisite charm and that rich vocal tone, he was an inspiration to me and so many more people for the roles he played and the effect had on so many of us. “There will only be one Tim Curry.” Curry also had a stage career including being the first King Arthur in the Broadway and West End production of Monty Python’s Spamalot. Curry in Home Alone 2 alongside Macaulay Culkin (Photo: The Academy YouTube) He also starred in William Congreve’s Love for Love in a 1985 production at the National Theatre. Among the audience was Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, who told him The Rocky Horror Picture Show “completed my education”. In October 2025, Curry published his memoir Vagabond, in which he explained that while there were scraps of his nature in his characters, he was none of them. He wrote: “The distinctions between who I really am and who I’ve pretended to be as an actor have proven to be a source of great disappointment to some audiences. It has not caused me much personal distress beyond the periodic necessity to deter stalkers.” Curry also lent his baritone voice to many voice-acting roles in children’s TV series, such as FernGully: The Last Rainforest in 1992, and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius, which orginally aired between 2002 and 2006. His memoir’s publisher, Grand Central Publishing, paid tribute to the actor, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Curry, a singular talent whose extraordinary career left an indelible mark on generations of audiences. “We are honoured to have published his work and grateful for the stories, imagination, and joy he shared with readers. “Our hearts are with his loved ones and countless fans around the world.”