Tim Curry, Rocky Horror and Pennywise Actor, Dies at 80

Tim Curry, the actor known for playing the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and the sinister Pennywise in It, has died at the age of 80.

Curry died Tuesday night, August 25, at his home in Los Angeles, according to multiple reports.

Curry’s breakthrough came with The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975), in which he reprised the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter that he originated in the stage musical The Rocky Horror Show.

His film career continued with an impressive variety of roles. Curry played the villainous Rooster Hannigan in Annie (1982), appeared as the Lord of Darkness in Ridley Scott’s fantasy film Legend (1985), and delivered one of his most memorable comedic performances as the fast-talking butler Wadsworth in Clue (1985). He later appeared in films including The Hunt for Red October (1990), Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (1992), The Three Musketeers (1993), The Shadow (1994), Congo (1995), Muppet Treasure Island (1996), Charlie’s Angels (2000), Scary Movie 2 (2001) and Kinsey (2004).

Curry’s horror legacy was strengthened by his portrayal of Pennywise in the 1990 television miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It. Though the role was made for television rather than theatrical film, Curry’s chilling interpretation became one of his most celebrated performances and helped cement his status as a horror icon. He also became an accomplished voice actor, lending his distinctive baritone to numerous animated productions, including Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Over the Garden Wall, and other television and film projects.

After suffering a major stroke in 2012, Curry substantially reduced his on-screen work but continued performing through voice roles and occasional appearances. His final released feature film was Stream (2024), a horror film directed by Michael Leavy. Curry appeared as Lockwood in the film, which was released theatrically in the United States on August 21, 2024. The appearance marked his return to a feature film following his role in Burke & Hare (2010).

Tim Curry leaves behind a remarkable screen legacy defined by fearless performances and an extraordinary ability to move between horror, comedy, fantasy and drama.