It’s a heartbreaking week with another death of an icon. Tim Curry, best known for his role as Dr Frank-N-Furter in the film musical “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, has passed away. He was 80.
Tim’s longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz announced the devastating news, confirming that the English actor passed away peacefully at his Toluca Lake home in Los Angeles on 25th August 2026 (Tuesday). Notably, his passing fell on the same day as music icon Dolly Parton, who also passed away at age 80.
Following his death, Tim’s representatives shared a statement, saying, “Across five decades, he moved fluidly between comedy, horror, drama, and music, delighting himself and his legion of fans with his countless dynamic personas.” The statement continues, “Few actors can claim to have left as many distinct fingerprints on pop culture – and though he suffered a debilitating stroke in 2012, he continued adding to his achievements as an artist and, most recently, a writer.”
Tim’s decades-long acting career began when he landed a role in the original London production of the rock musical “Hair” in 1968. A few years later, he played his most iconic character for the first time, the flamboyant Dr Frank-N-Furter in the original “The Rocky Horror Show” production at London’s Royal Court Theatre. He continued playing the character as the musical moved to larger London venues, and then to Broadway.
Tim also played the cross-dressing scientist in the 1975 movie adaptation, which made him a household name and gave him a cult following. From then on, the list of Tim’s iconic roles, both on-screen and on-stage, kept growing. Among Tim’s memorable on-screen roles were Rooster Hannigan in 1982’s “Annie”, Pennywise in the 1990 television version of Stephen King’s “It” and the Plaza Hotel’s concierge in “Home Alone 2”.
In 2012, the actor suffered a stroke, which led to mobility issues, particularly in his left arm and leg. After the incident, Tim shifted his focus to his voice-over work and to writing, releasing his memoir, “Vagabond”, in October 2025. In an interview for the memoir, Tim was asked if he was afraid of dying. He responded, “No, I’m not. I don’t fear death. I try to avoid it, as I think we all do, but I suspect that in the end I will welcome it.”
Many of Tim’s screen and stage partners have paid tribute to the late star following news of his passing, including Carol Burnett, Hank Azaria and Susan Sarandon. Luke Evans, who played Dr Frank-N-Furter in the latest Broadway revival of “Rocky Horror”, shared the letter he wrote to Tim weeks before his passing, noting in his post, “There will only be one Tim Curry.” Fans also share tributes to Tim and his many iconic roles.
We extend our condolences to Tim’s family and loved ones. May they find solace during this difficult time, and may he rest in peace.
Sources: Instagram, The Hollywood Reporter, BBC
