Actor Tim Curry, who starred in classic such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and 2, has died aged 80.

Curry, who had struggled with his health since 2012 after suffering a stroke, passed away at his home, according to his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz. The cause of his death has not yet been disclosed.

The website said his death is not being treated as suspicious.

Curry, who was born in Cheshire village Grappenhall in 1946, and had a glittering career which spanned the screen and stage, was known for his villainous roles, and distinctive booming voice.

In 1965 he started studying drama and English at the University of Birmingham.

After graduating, the actor landed his first acting job in the original London production of rock musical in 1968.

He later found fame playing mad scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter in 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which became a cult classic.

He also starred in the stage version of the show and his first appearance as the scientist was London’s West End in 1973.

Speaking at an event at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles to mark the film’s 50th anniversary last year, Curry spoke about it being embraced by the LGBTQ audience.

He added: “One of the things that the movie does, I think, is give anyone permission to behave as badly as they really want, in whatever way and with whom. And I’m proud of that.”

He is well known for playing a hotel concierge in the second Home Alone movie which was released in 1992, and also starred in the 1982 musical film as con-artist Rooster Hannigan.

His other roles include him portraying sinister clown Pennywise in a 1990 television mini-series version of Stephen King’s book IT, and Long John Silver in (1996).

Curry, who was partly paralysed and needed to use a wheelchair after his stroke, earned three Tony nominations — for , and — and an Emmy nod in 1994.

In 1993 Curry said: “I like playing the more curious corners of the human mind and human behavior, partly because they’re a tad more interesting.”

Curry also had a stage career including being the first King Arthur in the Broadway and West End production of .

He also starred in William Congreve’s in a 1985 production at the National Theatre.

Among the audiences members was Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales who told him The Rocky Horror Picture Show “completed my education”.

In October 2025, Curry published his memoir Vagabond, in which he explained that while there were scraps of his nature in his characters, he was none of them.

He wrote: “The distinctions between who I really am and who I’ve pretended to be as an actor have proven to be a source of great disappointment to some audiences. It has not caused me much personal distress beyond the periodic necessity to deter stalkers.”

Curry also lent his baritone voice to many voice-acting roles in children’s TV series, such as FernGully: The Last Rainforest in 1992, and Adventures Of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius, which orginally aired between 2002 and 2006.

His memoir’s publisher Grand Central Publishing, paid tribute to the actor, saying: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Tim Curry, a singular talent whose extraordinary career left an indelible mark on generations of audiences.

“We are honored to have published his work and grateful for the stories, imagination, and joy he shared with readers.

“Our hearts are with his loved ones and countless fans around the world.”