Tim Curry, actor famed for 'Rocky Horror Picture Show,' dead at 80

Tim Curry, the renowned British actor and singer known for his iconic role as Dr. Frank N. Furter in the 1975 cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has passed away at the age of 80, according to multiple sources including Variety. The cause of death has not been officially disclosed but Curry had been dealing with poor health in recent years.

A versatile performer, Curry appeared in numerous films, often portraying villainous characters. He was nominated three times for a Tony Award for his stage roles and lent his rich baritone voice to many animated films and TV shows. Among his notable film credits are Charlie's Angels (2000), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), The Shadow (1994), The Three Musketeers (1993), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), Clue (1985), Legend (1985) and Annie (1982).

Curry's most memorable role was that of Dr. Frank N. Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a musical horror-comedy that he first performed on stage in London. In the film, he sang the song "Sweet Transvestite" with flamboyant makeup, a black costume, and high heels. When asked about the risk of being associated with such an outlandish role, Curry had said he embraced it, viewing it as a valuable risk in his career.

In addition to his film work, Curry was highly regarded on stage, earning Tony nominations in 1981 for his role in Amadeus and in 1993 for My Favorite Year. He was also a recipient of a Daytime Emmy Award for his voice acting on Peter Pan & the Pirates. Despite occasionally being cast in mediocre films, Curry admitted that he loved those roles as they were often well-written and allowed for over-the-top performances.

Born in Grappenhall, Cheshire on April 19, 1946, Curry studied drama at Birmingham University. He first played Dr. Frank N. Furter in the original London stage production of The Rocky Horror Show in 1973, later performing it in New York and Los Angeles. The film version, renamed The Rocky Horror Picture Show, gained a cult following due to midnight screenings where audiences often dressed up as Rocky Horror characters.

Curry retired from live performances in 2011 due to ill health but returned to film in 2024 with the horror movie Stream. Curry never married and had no children.