The acclaimed actor died at his Los Angeles home Aug. 25, more than a decade after a major stroke changed his life and career.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Actor Tim Curry died of coronary artery disease at age 80, his public relations representative has confirmed, resolving a question left unanswered when the celebrated “Rocky Horror Picture Show” performer died at his Los Angeles home on Aug. 25.
The confirmation came after records obtained from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health identified coronary artery disease as Curry’s cause of death. The documents also listed a history of stroke and kidney cancer as other significant conditions that contributed to his death but were not identified as the underlying cause. Curry’s public relations representative, Sean Katz, later confirmed the cause to The Washington Post, citing the county health department.
Curry died peacefully at his home in the Toluca Lake area of Los Angeles, according to his longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz. His death was announced Aug. 26 without a cause. Los Angeles police also confirmed that officers responded to a call at a North Hollywood-area home late Aug. 25 and completed a death investigation involving a man in his 80s. Public-health documents obtained by People placed Curry’s time of death at 11:18 p.m.
The medical records brought new attention to health problems Curry had faced for years. He suffered a major stroke in 2012 that left him with lasting mobility problems and required him to use a wheelchair. Curry later spoke publicly about his recovery and the limits the stroke placed on his movement. He continued working after the medical crisis, particularly in voice acting, while making fewer public appearances than he had earlier in his career.
At a 50th anniversary event for “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in Los Angeles in 2025, Curry discussed the continuing effects of the stroke. He said he was still unable to walk and continued to have significant problems with his left leg. The appearance was one of several occasions in his later years when Curry returned to the public spotlight despite the physical limitations caused by the stroke.
Kidney cancer had not been widely associated with Curry’s public health history before the cause-of-death records were reported. The Los Angeles County documents listed the cancer, along with his history of stroke, as a significant condition contributing to his death. The records distinguished those conditions from coronary artery disease, which was identified as the cause of death. Reports based on the documents said no operations had been performed for the coronary artery disease, kidney cancer or stroke history.
Curry built a career spanning theater, film, television and voice acting, but his performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” became his most enduring role. He had originated the character in the London stage production of “The Rocky Horror Show” before bringing the flamboyant scientist to the screen. The movie developed a devoted following through decades of midnight screenings and audience participation.
His range extended well beyond that role. Curry played Rooster Hannigan in the 1982 film “Annie,” the butler Wadsworth in the 1985 comedy “Clue” and Long John Silver in 1996’s “Muppet Treasure Island.” He also portrayed Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s “It” and appeared as a hotel concierge in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.” His distinctive voice led to extensive work in animation and other voice performances.
Curry also maintained a prominent stage career. He earned three Tony Award nominations, including recognition for performances in “Amadeus,” “My Favorite Year” and “Spamalot.” His early theater work included the London production of “Hair” in 1968. That background helped establish him as a performer who could shift between musicals, comedy, drama and eccentric character roles during a career that lasted more than five decades.
In October 2025, Curry published his memoir, “Vagabond,” reflecting on his childhood, theatrical beginnings and long career. The book arrived during renewed attention surrounding the 50th anniversary of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Curry had largely protected his private life during his decades in entertainment, making the memoir and his later interviews an uncommon look at his experiences away from the characters for which audiences knew him.
The disclosure of Curry’s cause of death closes a key unanswered question from the initial announcement of his death. Coronary artery disease is now confirmed as the cause, while his previous stroke and kidney cancer were recorded as contributing medical conditions. Curry was 80 and left behind a body of stage and screen work that continued to attract audiences through the final years of his life.
Author note: Last updated September 9, 2026.