Tim Curry, the iconic actor celebrated for his memorable performances, first discovered his passion for acting while attending school in Bath. His journey to stardom began in these early years as he took part in school plays and developed his distinctive singing voice.
It was confirmed today that the star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show has passed away at his home in Los Angeles. While the exact cause of death has not been disclosed, it follows a major stroke he suffered in 2012, which resulted in paralysis on his left side.
Curry’s connection to the South West runs deep. After his father, James Curry-who earned a Master of Arts degree from Bristol University in 1956-passed away, Tim received a scholarship to attend Kingswood School in Bath. It was here that his acting talents began to flourish. Prior to this, his family had moved to Plymouth, Devon, when he was 11, after relocating between various British seaside towns.
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Reflecting on his ties to Plymouth, Curry once told PlymouthLive about the significance of the sea in his life: “The sea is terribly important to me. The British sea anyway. The colder the better.” He fondly recalled visits with his late mother to a “fancy hotel on Plymouth Hoe.”
Curry’s professional career ignited at the age of 22 with a role in a West End adaptation of the musical Hair, following his studies at Birmingham University. His true breakthrough came in 1973 when he portrayed Dr Frank-N-Furter, the “sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania,” in The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He originated this character on stage in London before taking it to Broadway and later reprising the role in the cult classic film alongside Susan Sarandon, Meat Loaf, and Barry Bostwick.
The film quickly became a cult favourite, particularly within the LGBTQ+ community, thanks to its bold representation and memorable performances, including the iconic dance sequence “The Time Warp.”
Beyond Rocky Horror, Curry demonstrated his versatility in various roles. Notably, he appeared in the 1992 sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York as Mr Hector, the hotel concierge at the Plaza. The film famously features a cameo by then-businessman Donald Trump, whom Curry described as possessing “the most explosive confidence that I’d ever encountered.” He praised Trump for being “entirely sure of himself” during filming.
Renowned for his distinctive voice and sharp wit, Curry often portrayed villains, including the terrifying Pennywise the dancing clown in the film adaptation of Stephen King’s It. He also starred in the 1982 musical Annie as Daniel Francis “Rooster” Hannigan, the scheming brother of Miss Hannigan.
His stage credentials were equally impressive. Curry was the original King Arthur in both the Broadway and West End productions of Monty Python’s Spamalot. In 1985, he starred in William Congreve’s Love For Love at the National Theatre, with audience members including Prince Charles and Princess Diana, who reportedly told him that The Rocky Horror Picture Show “completed my education.”
Curry also lent his voice to numerous children’s television series, such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Wild Thornberrys, and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius.
In an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme in October 2024, Curry spoke candidly about the aftermath of his stroke, revealing that he was unable to walk and found this deeply challenging: “The whole of my left side was paralysed, I can’t walk yet, and I find that very difficult and limiting. It’s horrible, I hate the idea of being an invalid, that’s for sure.”
In October 2025, he shared his life story in his memoir Vagabond, offering an intimate look at his remarkable career and personal struggles.
Tim Curry leaves behind a legacy marked by unforgettable characters, a vibrant stage presence, and an enduring impact on film and theatre.