Tim Curry’s cause of death revealed after Rocky Horror and Home Alone 2 star dies aged 80

Tim Curry, the legendary British actor best known for his unforgettable performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, died from coronary artery disease, according to newly released documents.

Curry died aged 80 on August 25 at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles. Documents obtained by People from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health list coronary artery disease as the cause of death, while a history of strokes and kidney cancer were also recorded as contributing conditions.

The disclosure comes after years of health problems that dramatically changed Curry’s life and career.

Tim Curry had battled serious health problems for years

Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012 that left him unable to walk and dependent on a wheelchair.

In September 2025, he spoke candidly about the continuing effects of the stroke, explaining that he still could not walk and was experiencing significant problems with his left leg.

The actor also said his physical limitations meant he would no longer be able to sing and dance as he once had.

According to the documents, no operations were performed for his coronary artery disease, kidney cancer or history of stroke.

Despite the challenges, Curry continued working and remained connected with his fans.

In 2015, nearly three years after his stroke, he made a rare public appearance at the Actors Fund Tony Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles, where he received a lifetime achievement award.

He was also open about his recovery and the importance of maintaining his sense of humour while dealing with the effects of his illness.

In 2023, Curry continued to meet fans through virtual video chats at conventions including GalaxyCon.

He made an especially notable return to the screen in 2024, appearing in the horror film Stream, his first film role in 14 years. He also continued to take on voice work in films and audiobooks.

The role that made Tim Curry a cult icon

Curry’s career began on the West End stage in the musical Hair, where his talent eventually brought him to the attention of the team behind The Rocky Horror Show.

He was cast as the flamboyant scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a role that would define much of his career.

When The Rocky Horror Show was adapted into the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Curry carried the character to the big screen. His portrayal of the cross-dressing, fishnet-wearing scientist transformed him into a cult icon and helped make the movie an enduring phenomenon.

Curry’s distinctive voice, theatrical presence and willingness to take on unconventional characters became hallmarks of his career.

From Pennywise to Home Alone 2

Although Dr. Frank-N-Furter remained his signature role, Curry built an extensive career well beyond Rocky Horror.

He played Pennywise in the television adaptation of Stephen King’s It, taking on one of his most recognizable horror roles.

He also appeared in Ridley Scott’s fantasy film Legend and showed his comedic range in Home Alone 2, Scary Movie and The Three Musketeers.

His other work across stage and screen earned him three Tony Award nominations and two Laurence Olivier Award nominations.

A career shaped by theatre and film

Curry’s success on stage remained an important part of his legacy. His work earned recognition in major theatre productions while his film and television roles introduced him to generations of audiences.

Following his 2012 stroke, however, his public appearances and major acting projects became increasingly rare.

Rather than disappearing entirely from entertainment, he gradually shifted toward work that could accommodate his physical limitations, including voice acting.

His continued appearances at fan conventions also allowed him to stay connected with audiences who had followed his career for decades.

Tim Curry’s final years

Curry largely kept a low profile during the later years of his life, appearing in public far less frequently than during the height of his career.

His return to film in Stream in 2024 was therefore particularly significant. He also remained active through voice performances and audiobook work.

Curry died at his Toluca Lake home on August 25, 2026, aged 80. His death brought an end to a career that stretched from the West End production of Hair to one of cinema’s most enduring cult performances.

The newly released death records provide the first official explanation for his passing: coronary artery disease, with his history of stroke and kidney cancer also listed as contributing conditions.

For generations of fans, however, Curry’s legacy remains closely tied to the extraordinary range of characters that made him such a distinctive presence on stage and screen, from Dr. Frank-N-Furter to Pennywise and the memorable roles he brought to life in films such as Home Alone 2.