“It” Pennywise Actor Tim Curry Passes Away at 80

Tim Curry, the iconic British actor globally famous for starring as Dr. Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80. He terrified an entire generation with his deeply chilling portrayal of Pennywise the Dancing Clown in Stephen King’s horror masterpiece “It.”

Renowned English actor, singer and voice performer Tim Curry passed away on 25 August 2026, at the age of 80. According to reports from his longtime manager, Marcia Hurwitz, and law enforcement sources, Curry died peacefully at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles. Police and emergency responders arrived at his home following a medical call.

While an exact official cause of death was not immediately released, he had been dealing with severe health complications following a major stroke in 2012 that left him using a wheelchair. Authorities confirmed that there was no foul play suspected.

His Life and Career Overview

Born Timothy James Curry in Cheshire, England, in 1946, Curry established an extraordinary career spanning over five decades across stage, film, television and voice acting.

He initially broke into professional acting on the London stage in 1968 with the musical Hair. He became a cultural icon by originating the role of the flamboyant scientist Dr. Frank N Furter in the stage production of The Rocky Horror Show and reprising it in the 1975 film adaptation.

Beyond that defining role, he built a massive multi-decade career playing memorable characters across film, television, and theater. Millions recognized him as the terrifying clown Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It, the manic butler Wadsworth in the comedy Clue, and the snooty hotel concierge in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York.

His extensive credits also included major roles in Annie, Legend, The Hunt for Red October, and Muppet Treasure Island, alongside a prolific career as a stage and voice actor.