Tim Curry's Cause of Death Still Unknown After Actor Revealed Terrifying Health Struggle Before His Death at 80

British actor Tim Curry, whose roles in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' and as Pennywise in 'It' made him an international star, has died at the age of 80.

Curry died at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz confirmed. No cause of death has been disclosed. Police who responded to a call at the home found no indication of foul play.

His death comes 14 years after a major stroke left him partially paralysed and dependent on a wheelchair. Despite the effects of the stroke, Curry continued working, particularly as a voice actor, and published his memoir, 'Vagabond', in 2025.

Curry Spoke Openly About His Health After 2012 Stroke

Curry spoke openly about serious health problems in later life, although there is currently no evidence that any particular condition caused his death. He suffered a major stroke in 2012, which left his left side paralysed and affected his ability to walk.

He later described the experience in 'Vagabond', including the emergency brain surgery he underwent after the stroke. In a 2025 interview marking the 50th anniversary of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', Curry acknowledged that he still could not walk and said the lasting problems with his left leg were 'real'.

He also discussed the psychological and physical effects of his condition in his memoir, including problems with short-term memory and heightened sensitivity on the affected side of his body.

Curry's health was again a subject of concern in 2025 when he revealed that doctors had discovered an aneurysm in his abdomen.

He said at the time that he did not know whether or when it might rupture. However, neither his manager nor medical authorities have said that the aneurysm, his previous stroke or any other condition was responsible for his death.

Curry's manager said he 'passed away peacefully' at his Los Angeles home. His death was reported on 25 August, although some accounts have described the death as occurring early on 26 August because of the timing of the announcement and local time differences.

From Stage Newcomer to Cult Icon

Curry was born in Cheshire on 19 April 1946 and began his professional career in London's West End, appearing in the original London production of 'Hair' in 1968. His defining role came when he originated Dr Frank-N-Furter in Richard O'Brien's 'The Rocky Horror Show'.

The stage production became the 1975 film 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show', turning Curry into a cult star and helping establish the film as one of cinema's most enduring midnight-screening phenomena. Curry later demonstrated a wide range of roles.

His credits included Rooster in 'Annie', Wadsworth in 'Clue', Long John Silver in 'Muppet Treasure Island' and the concierge in 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York'. For horror audiences, however, his most enduring performance after 'Rocky Horror' was Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King's 'It'.

His portrayal of the clown became one of the defining horror performances of the era. His career also extended extensively into theatre and voice acting.

Three Tony Nominations and a Daytime Emmy for Curry's Legacy

Curry received three Tony nominations, including for 'Amadeus', 'My Favorite Year' and 'Spamalot', and won a Daytime Emmy for voicing Captain Hook in 'Peter Pan and the Pirates'. He also lent his distinctive voice to productions including 'FernGully: The Last Rainforest', 'The Wild Thornberrys' and 'Star Wars: The Clone Wars'.

After his stroke, Curry increasingly worked in voice roles but continued making appearances and remained closely associated with 'Rocky Horror'. His death leaves the cause of his final illness unknown, with further details dependent on information from his family or Los Angeles authorities.