Tim Curry's cause of death revealed: ‘Rocky Horror’ star died of coronary artery disease; kidney cancer

Tim Curry's cause of death: Tim Curry, the British actor whose unforgettable performances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, It and Clue made him a cult favourite across generations, died from coronary artery disease, according to newly released public health records. Curry died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 80 at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles. His cause of death was disclosed about a week after his death through documents from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health obtained by PEOPLE.

The records also listed a history of stroke and kidney cancer as conditions that contributed to his death. They did not identify either condition as the primary cause. The documents further indicated that Curry had not undergone surgery for coronary artery disease, stroke or kidney cancer.

What was Tim Curry's cause of death?

According to the Los Angeles County records, coronary artery disease was the main cause of Curry's death. Coronary artery disease occurs when the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked, usually because of a buildup of plaque. It can reduce blood flow to the heart and, in severe cases, lead to a heart attack or other serious complications.


Curry's medical history also included a major stroke in 2012 and kidney cancer. Both were listed as contributing conditions in the death records.

Tim Curry's health struggles after 2012 stroke

Curry's health had been a concern for more than a decade before his death. In 2012, the actor suffered a major stroke that dramatically affected his mobility. He subsequently used a wheelchair and underwent a long period of rehabilitation. The stroke also affected his speech and short-term memory.

Even years later, Curry spoke about the lasting effects of the stroke. During a 2025 appearance connected to the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, he acknowledged that he still could not walk.

Despite those difficulties, he continued working, particularly in voice acting, and remained closely associated with some of the most distinctive characters of his career.

Who was Tim Curry?

Born in England in 1946, Curry began his career in theatre before becoming a major screen performer.His breakthrough came with the stage production of The Rocky Horror Show, where he originated the role of Dr Frank-N-Furter. He later reprised the part in the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

The movie initially had a modest theatrical reception but gradually became a cultural phenomenon, particularly through midnight screenings. Curry's performance as the flamboyant Frank-N-Furter became the defining role of his career.

He went on to appear in films including Clue, Annie, Legend, The Hunt for Red October, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York and Muppet Treasure Island.

Tim Curry as Pennywise

For another generation of viewers, Curry was remembered for an entirely different character. He played Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King's It. His unsettling performance turned the character into one of television's most memorable horror villains.

Although later versions of Pennywise were played by other actors, Curry's portrayal remained a benchmark for fans of the original miniseries.

His career also stretched well beyond horror and cult cinema. Curry worked extensively in theatre, television, film and voice acting and received multiple Tony Award nominations during his stage career.

Tim Curry's final years

Curry largely stepped back from conventional on-screen work after his stroke, although he continued to make occasional appearances and lend his voice to projects.

In 2025, he released his memoir, Vagabond, reflecting on his long career and life as an actor. His death was initially reported without a publicly disclosed cause. Authorities had responded to his Los Angeles home on the night of his death, but reports said there was no suspicion of foul play. The official records released days later provided the explanation: coronary artery disease, with his history of stroke and kidney cancer also listed as contributing conditions.

For many fans, however, Curry's legacy will remain tied to the extraordinary range of characters he brought to life, from the outrageous Dr Frank-N-Furter to the terrifying Pennywise and the eccentric figures he played across film and television.