Rocky Horror Picture Show star Tim Curry dies aged 80

The Rocky Horror Picture Show star Tim Curry has died aged 80.

The Cheshire-born actor, known for playing transvestite alien scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 musical film, died at his Los Angeles home, according to his long-time manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz.

A cause of death was not confirmed, however, it comes after Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012, leaving his left side paralysed.

Curry’s versatile career spanned stage and screen with notable film credits including as Pennywise in It (1990), the concierge in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992) and Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island (1996).

He originated the “sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania” character on stage in London before taking the show to Broadway, and then reprising the role in the film which also starred Susan Sarandon, Meat Loaf and Barry Bostwick.

The film has since become a cult classic especially among the LGBTQ+ community for its representation and many memorable scenes and songs including The Time Warp.

In the 1992 Home Alone sequel, Curry acted opposite Macaulay Culkin’s Kevin McCallister as Mr Hector, the personal concierge for the swanky New York Plaza Hotel.

The film features a cameo appearance from US President Donald Trump, who Curry previously said had the “most explosive confidence that I’d ever encountered”, saying he was “entirely sure of himself” when working on the film.

Known for his wit and gift with voices, Curry was also known for portraying a string of villainous characters over the course of his career including Stephen King’s antagonist Dancing Clown Pennywise in the film adaptation of his horror novel It.

He also starred in the 1982 musical film Annie as Miss Hannigan’s con-artist brother, Daniel Francis “Rooster” Hannigan who plots with his girlfriend to pose as Annie’s parents to gain a reward.

Curry was also known for his stage career including being the first King Arthur in the Broadway and West End production of Monty Python’s Spamalot and starring in William Congreve’s Love For Love in a 1985 production at the National Theatre.

Among the audiences members was Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales who told him The Rocky Horror Picture Show “completed my education”.

The actor also lent his voice for a number of children’s TV series, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Wild Thornberrys and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius.

In October 2024 he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that he was unable to walk following his stroke which he found “very difficult and limiting”.

He said: “The whole of my left side was paralysed, I can’t walk yet, and I find that very difficult and limiting.

“It’s horrible, I hate the idea of being an invalid, that’s for sure.”

In October 2025, Curry published his memoir Vagabond.

Published: 26/08/2026 by Radio NewsHub