British actor Tim Curry, best known for his landmark performance in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and roles in films such as Home Alone 2, has died at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 80.
American and British media outlets reported on Wednesday that the actor passed away following more than a decade of ongoing health problems. Reports from news agency EFE and entertainment outlet TMZ confirmed his passing in California.
Curry had been using a wheelchair after suffering a stroke in 2012, which impaired his memory and left him unable to walk. His final feature film role came in the 2010 comedy Burke and Hare.
Born in Cheshire in north-west England on April 19, 1946, Curry was the son of a Methodist naval chaplain. His family relocated to Hong Kong when he was six months old, beginning a nomadic childhood that prepared him for an itinerant acting career. After his father suffered a stroke and died of pneumonia when Curry was 12 years old, the family settled in the naval port city of Plymouth in southern England.
Curry subsequently won a scholarship to study in Bath, Somerset, where he appeared in his first school plays. He went on to study Drama and English at the University of Birmingham between 1965 and 1968, before securing his first professional acting job in the London production of Hair. Other roles in London's West End theatre district and minor television appearances soon followed.
Stage breakthrough and Dr Frank-N-Furter
In 1973, Hair castmate Richard O'Brien invited Curry to audition for an experimental stage musical titled The Rocky Horror Show. Curry won the role of Dr Frank-N-Furter, a career-defining performance that brought him acclaim on stage and later in the 1975 film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Portraying the extravagant scientist who introduced himself as a sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania, Curry turned the character into an enduring cult figure. The role has transcended generations and remains widely celebrated for its bold aesthetic, gender presentation, and representation of sexual freedom.
Curry also sought to build a musical career in the 1970s and 1980s, releasing several studio albums and going on concert tours, though his recording career did not achieve major commercial success.
Screen roles and industry recognition
Known for his expressive dramatic style, Curry established himself in cinema largely through supporting roles and memorable villains. His notable film credits include playing the Lord of Darkness in director Ridley Scott's 1985 dark fantasy Legend, as well as the suspicious Plaza Hotel concierge in the 1992 hit comedy Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
Across his long career, Curry earned three Tony Award nominations for his work in Broadway theatre. He was also awarded a Daytime Emmy Award in 1994 for his voice performance as Captain Hook in the animated television series Peter Pan and the Pirates.
Final memoirs and last interview
In his personal life, Curry never married and had no children. In October 2025, he published his autobiography under the title Vagabond.
In his final broadcast interview, given to American network CBS that same month, Curry admitted that he was not afraid of death. He stated that he wished to earn the privilege of no longer being here and believed he could accept his passing.
Curry made his final public appearance in November 2025, joining former castmates to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
