Tim Curry, the acclaimed actor celebrated for his unforgettable performances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and his terrifying portrayal of Pennywise in It, has died at the age of 80. His manager confirmed the news to CBS News, while TMZ reported that he passed away on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
Born in England in 1946, Curry rose to international fame playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, later reprising the iconic character for the beloved 1975 film adaptation. He went on to appear in Clue, Legend, Home Alone 2, Annie, Muppet Treasure Island, and numerous other movies.
In 1990, Curry cemented his status as a horror legend with his performance as Pennywise in Stephen King’s It. He also built an impressive voice-acting career through roles in The Wild Thornberrys, Gargoyles, and Peter Pan & the Pirates, earning a Daytime Emmy Award for his portrayal of Captain Hook.
A highly respected stage performer, Curry received multiple Tony nominations and also starred in Broadway’s Spamalot.
After experiencing a major stroke in 2012, Curry faced long-term mobility difficulties but continued connecting with fans and celebrating his remarkable body of work.
From Frank-N-Furter to Pennywise, Tim Curry leaves behind a lasting and unforgettable legacy spanning movies, television, theater, and voice acting.

352 views