Rocky Horror Picture Show actor Tim Curry’s cause of death has been confirmed days after his death, aged 80.
The Grappenhall-born actor, known for playing transvestite alien scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 musical film, died at his Los Angeles home, according to his long-time manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz.
Curry’s career spanned stage and screen with notable film credits including as Pennywise in It (1990), the concierge in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), and Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island (1996).
He originated the “sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania” character on stage in London before taking the show to Broadway, and then reprising the role in the film, which also starred Susan Sarandon, Meat Loaf and Barry Bostwick.
The film has since become a cult classic, especially among the LGBTQ+ community for its representation and many memorable scenes and songs, including The Time Warp.
Tim Curry’s cause of death revealed
Curry died of coronary artery disease, his spokesperson told the BBC.
The English actor has been open about his health in previous years, announcing a kidney cancer diagnosis and a stroke.
He suffered a major stroke in 2012, leaving his left side paralysed.
Tim Curry, best known for his roles in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' 'Clue,' and 'IT' has sadly passed away.
Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/wuPS8oRCNN— Rotten Tomatoes 🍅 (@RottenTomatoes) August 26, 2026
The spokesperson told the BBC that Curry’s death certificate, which was filed in Los Angeles County, suggests his stroke and cancer diagnosis were contributing factors to his death.
After the stroke, Curry used a wheelchair and turned his attention to voice acting and was grateful he was still able to talk.
He lent his voice to a number of children’s TV series, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, The Wild Thornberrys and The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius.
In October 2024, he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that he was unable to walk following his stroke which he found “very difficult and limiting”.
He said: “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, Curry published his memoir Vagabond.
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