Tim Curry, Iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter Star, Dies at 80

Tim Curry is dead. The man who brought Dr. Frank-N-Furter to life in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" passed away at age 80. Jimmy Franco, senior director of publicity at Grand Central Publishing and Curry's publisher, confirmed the news. "Yes, it is true and very sad indeed," Franco stated. He said he did not have a statement ready for release right now.

Los Angeles police told Fox News Digital that officers arrived around 11:20 p.m. Tuesday for a death investigation involving an older male at his home. TMZ reported there are no signs of foul play.

Curry became a legend after originating the role in the 1973 London stage production, then bringing it to Broadway and eventually the big screen in the 1975 film. The movie starred Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick and Meat Loaf alongside him. It grew into a cult classic defined by midnight screenings, audience participation and songs like "The Time Warp."

He took on many other famous parts too. He played Pennywise in the 1990 miniseries "It," Wadsworth in "Clue," the concierge in "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" and Cardinal Richelieu in "The Three Musketeers." His work covered theater, film and television. He earned three Tony Award nominations for "My Favorite Year," "Amadeus" and "Spamalot." He won a Daytime Emmy Award and received a Primetime Emmy nomination.

"I like playing the more curious corners of the human mind and human behavior, partly because they're a tad more interesting," Curry told the Associated Press in 1993.

Curry was born in Cheshire, England to a Navy chaplain and a school secretary. His father died when he was just 12 years old. He found acting as a teenager and studied at the University of Birmingham before moving to London for his first West End job in "Hair." "I took an academic course, which I largely ignored, I'm afraid, and just acted all the time," he said later. Roles with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Royal Court Theatre eventually led him to "The Rocky Horror Show."

In his 2025 memoir, "Vagabond," Curry wrote about separating his private life from his on-screen personas. "The distinctions between who I really am and who I've pretended to be as an actor have proven to be a source of great disappointment to some audiences. It has not caused me much personal distress beyond the periodic necessity to deter stalkers," he wrote in the book.

Tributes flooded in from fellow actors after news broke. Michael McKean, who called Curry his friend, shared on X that their last conversation was about life and love and laughter. He said ending the struggle with physical illness felt like a blessing. "Our blessing was that we had Tim Curry in our lives. RIP, my friend," he wrote.

Luke Evans recently played Frank-N-Furter on Broadway. He revealed he had written Curry a letter just three weeks ago before the news broke. Evans described him as a force and a bright fierce flame. "There will only be one Tim Curry," Evans wrote. "I hope, wherever you are, you'd approve of one more Frank having the time of his life in those heels."

Lesley Ann Warren, who starred with him in "Clue," called him brilliant, hilarious and a magician of artistry. "I adored him. Bless his wild and inspired soul. Love you Tim," she wrote on social media. Robin Askwith also paid tribute to Curry on X, noting how fast time flew since their days at the Royal Court Upstairs.

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The official Muppets account also remembered Curry's performance as Long John Silver in 1996's "Muppet Treasure Island." "Few humans have earned the title of honorary Muppet more than the legendary Tim Curry. As a performer he was unparalleled – witty, charming, unnerving, and deeply funny," the Instagram account wrote. "We will always consider it one of our greatest treasures to have been part of Long John Silver's crew. Thank you for everything, Tim."

"The Parent Trap" star Elaine Hendrix wrote on social media, "And the blows keep coming. I worked with Tim Curry in the 90s. He was THE kindest man. I adored him up close and from a far since discovering 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' while I was in High School. I was a huge fan of him! What a talent. What a gentleman. What an honor. RIP Tim"

LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Ireland Baldwin wrote on Instagram, "Two of my biggest inspirations passed away at 80. Crazy how their presence as performers led me to believe that they are immortal and couldn't possibly ever be gone. Fly HIGH above this crazy world."

Rosie O'Donnell shared a photo of Curry on Instagram, writing, "Sweetest man. #timcurry #rockyhorrorpictureshow"

PUT YOUR ENTERTAINMENT KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST AND SEE HOW YOU SCORE The legendary actor never married and had no children. He remained private about his personal life while continuing to connect with fans through his work.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP When asked by Los Angeles magazine in 2015 how he viewed "Rocky Horror," Curry said, "With a sort of bemused tolerance. It's neither a blessing nor a curse. I was lucky to get it."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.