Tim Curry, the acclaimed actor whose career spanned over five decades, has died at the age of 80. He is best remembered for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show and for his chilling performance as Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 adaptation of It. His death was first reported by TMZ, noting he passed away on Tuesday, August 25, and his manager later confirmed the news to CBS News.
In recent years, Curry faced significant health challenges following a 2012 stroke. During a 2025 appearance at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles, he spoke candidly with fans about his limited mobility. He explained that he remained in a wheelchair, noting, “I still can’t walk, which is why I’m in this silly chair, and that’s very limiting. So I won’t be singing and I won’t be dancing very soon. I still have real problems with my left leg.”
Curry’s filmography showcased a remarkable range, moving seamlessly between dark comedy and family-friendly roles. Comedy enthusiasts frequently cite his turn as the butler Wadsworth in the 1985 ensemble mystery Clue, where he starred alongside Madeline Kahn and Christopher Lloyd. His family-oriented work included roles as Gomez Addams in 1998’s Addams Family Reunion, the pirate Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island, and the suspicious concierge in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.
Beyond his screen work, Curry was a fixture in musical theater and film. He played the conniving Rooster in the 1982 version of Annie and earned a Tony Award nomination for his leading role in the Broadway production of Monty Python’s Spamalot. His diverse career also featured appearances in notable films such as The Hunt for Red October, Kinsey, and Ridley Scott’s Legend. Curry never married and had no children. The report also notes that throughout his more than five-decade career, Curry endeared himself to family audiences playing patriarch Gomez Addams in 1998’s “Addams Family Reunion,” pirate Long John Silver in “Muppet Treasure Island” and a suspicio.
