British actor Tim Curry, best known for his iconic role as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, died from coronary artery disease, his spokesman has confirmed.
Curry died at his home in Los Angeles on August 25, aged 80, according to his spokesman, who cited a death certificate filed in Los Angeles County.
The certificate also listed a history of stroke and kidney cancer as significant conditions that contributed to his death.
Curry shot to international fame as the flamboyant, lingerie-clad Dr Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, becoming one of the film’s most enduring stars.
Tributes poured in from colleagues and fans following his death, with several stars of stage and screen remembering the actor for his distinctive talent, humour and generosity.
Curry suffered a near-fatal stroke in 2012 and subsequently used a wheelchair. He later shifted his focus exclusively to voice acting, expressing gratitude that the stroke had left him paralysed rather than affecting his ability to speak.
Despite his health challenges, Curry continued appearing at film conventions and remained connected with his fans.
He also published his memoir, Vagabond, last year, in which he discussed the stroke, its aftermath and his prolonged recovery.
“If there was anything impressed upon me in the aftermath, it was just how remarkable it was that I was still alive,” Curry said in the memoir.
Michael McKean, Curry’s co-star in the 1985 comedy mystery film Clue, paid tribute to the actor last week, describing him as having been in a “grim physical state.”
Susan Sarandon, who starred alongside Curry in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, also remembered him warmly.
“Even wheelchair bound, he continued to be so sweet and generous with his fans,” Sarandon wrote, describing Curry as a “funny, sexy, original.”
Born in Warrington, north-west England, in 1946, Curry began his professional acting career after university, appearing in the 1968 London production of the rock musical Hair.
His Hair castmate Richard O’Brien later invited him to audition for his new musical, The Rocky Horror Show.
Curry landed the role of Dr Frank-N-Furter in the stage production, which premiered in 1973 and became the foundation for the subsequent film.
The character became synonymous with Curry, particularly his delivery of the line, “Don’t dream it, be it.”
Beyond Rocky Horror, Curry built a wide-ranging career across film, television, theatre and voice acting.
He played the sadistic clown Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It, King Arthur in the stage production of Spamalot and Rooster in the 1982 musical film Annie.
His other screen credits included Home Alone 2, The Hunt For Red October and Scary Movie 2.
Curry’s career spanned more than five decades, with his work across stage, screen and voice acting cementing his status as one of Britain’s most recognisable and versatile performers.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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