• Tim Curry, famed for his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, dies at age 80.
• He suffered health issues following a stroke in 2012 but continued to work.
• Co-stars and fans lead tributes, praising Curry's talent and kindness.

Tim Curry, the British actor renowned for his portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has passed away at the age of 80. The news was confirmed by his longtime manager, who stated he died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles on August 25, 2026. The cause of death was not disclosed, but it is known that Curry had been in ill health for some time, having struggled with the effects of a stroke since 2012, which left him wheelchair-bound, according to Reuters and NPR.

Curry was best known for his flamboyant performance in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, first in the stage production in 1973 and later in the cult classic film adaptation in 1975, co-starring alongside Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick. His famous lines, including “I’m just a sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania,” became iconic, making him a beloved figure in LGBTQ+ culture. "When I read it, I just thought it was very, very witty and funny," Curry said in a 1975 interview, acknowledging his initial reluctance to embrace a role that could overshadow his career, according to South China Morning Post and Channel News Asia.

Throughout his illustrious career, Curry took on a variety of roles in movies such as Home Alone 2, Annie, and It, showcasing his versatility as an actor. His talent was recognized with three Tony Award nominations for his work in stage productions like Amadeus and My Favorite Year, further emphasizing his significant contributions to theater, according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

Following the announcement of his passing, many of Curry's co-stars took to social media to pay tribute to him. Susan Sarandon fondly remembered him as "a funny, sexy, original" soul, while Carol Burnett shared his scenes, underscoring Curry's unique ability to portray lovable villains. Luke Evans, who played Frank-N-Furter in a Broadway revival, described Curry as "a force, a bright fierce flame," highlighting the impact he had on the arts and on actors who followed in his footsteps, according to BBC and Channel News Asia.

Despite his later health challenges, Curry continued to work in voice acting, contributing his rich baritone voice to numerous animated projects. His final film appearance was in Stream in 2024, a role that allowed him to reconnect with his passion for acting, according to Le Monde and Reuters.