WASHINGTON — British actor Tim Curry, best known for his unforgettable performances as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King's It, has died at the age of 80.

Curry passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 26, at his home in Los Angeles, according to his longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz. A cause of death has not yet been released.

His passing comes nearly 14 years after he suffered a devastating stroke in 2012 that permanently affected his mobility and speech. Despite those life-changing challenges, Curry faced his recovery with resilience, humor, and the same warmth that endeared him to fans around the world.

During a special 50th-anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 2025, Curry spoke candidly about his health. He shared that he was still unable to walk and continued to struggle with significant limitations in his left leg, acknowledging that singing and dancing were no longer part of his life. Even so, he remained grateful for the opportunity to connect with audiences and celebrate the remarkable career he had built.

In his 2025 memoir, Vagabond, Curry reflected on the day he suffered the stroke. He recalled that while receiving a massage, he had no idea anything was wrong. It was his massage therapist who recognized the warning signs and immediately called an ambulance—a decision Curry later credited with saving his life.

Doctors discovered that the stroke had caused two blood clots in his brain, requiring an emergency craniectomy, a procedure in which part of the skull is temporarily removed to relieve pressure and treat the injury. His recovery was long and difficult, including weeks in which he was unable to speak and years of rehabilitation.

Over a career spanning several decades, Tim Curry became one of the entertainment industry's most versatile and beloved performers. With more than 240 acting credits across film, television, theater, and voice work, he created some of the most memorable characters in popular culture, effortlessly moving between comedy, horror, and drama.

His final credited screen appearance was in the 2024 horror film Stream. Curry had been expected to reprise his role in the planned sequel, though production had not yet begun at the time of his passing.

Tim Curry leaves behind an extraordinary artistic legacy. His talent, creativity, and resilience inspired generations of fans and fellow performers, ensuring that his unforgettable performances will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.