Tim Curry’s Cause of Death Revealed One Week After His Death at 80

Tim Curry’s Cause of Death Revealed

Tim Curry, the legendary actor best known for his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” died from coronary artery disease, according to documents obtained by People from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Curry died on Aug. 25 at the age of 80, with the newly released records providing more information about the health conditions he faced before his death.

Cause of Death

According to the documents, coronary artery disease was identified as the underlying cause of Curry’s death. The records also listed stroke and kidney cancer as conditions that contributed to his passing, although they were not identified as the underlying cause.

Curry had experienced serious health challenges for years before his death. In 2012, the actor suffered a major stroke that required brain surgery and began a long period of rehabilitation.

Tim Curry Opened Up About His Stroke

Curry spoke publicly about the difficult recovery process during a 2025 appearance on “CBS Sunday Morning.” The actor explained that one of the most challenging parts of his recovery was losing his ability to speak normally.

“I had to learn how to speak again,” Curry said during the interview. “That was very weird. I hated not being able to speak.”

The stroke also affected the left side of Curry’s face. He described the physical changes he experienced while recovering, saying, “My face kind of went sideways.”

Despite the devastating effects of the stroke, Curry continued working and remained involved in entertainment. His career after the stroke included voice acting, appearances and continued connections with fans who had followed his work for decades.

A Career Spanning Decades

Curry became a household name among movie fans after playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The role became one of the most iconic performances in cult movie history, with Curry’s portrayal remaining closely associated with the film nearly five decades later.

His career extended far beyond “Rocky Horror.” Curry appeared in movies including “Clue,” “Legend,” “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York” and “Muppet Treasure Island.” He also gained recognition for playing the terrifying Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s “It.”

Curry was also an accomplished stage performer. His Broadway work earned him multiple Tony Award nominations, further establishing him as an actor capable of moving between film, television and theater.

Remembering Tim Curry

Curry’s death marked the end of a career that lasted more than five decades. His performances reached audiences across generations, from theatergoers who saw him on Broadway to fans who discovered him through “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” “Clue,” “It” and his extensive voice work.

Although his health changed dramatically after his 2012 stroke, Curry continued to remain connected to his craft and his fans. His willingness to discuss his recovery also offered a rare look at the determination required to rebuild his life after such a serious medical emergency.

Curry died on Aug. 25 at age 80. According to his death records, coronary artery disease was the cause of death, with stroke and kidney cancer listed as contributing conditions. His legacy, however, extends far beyond his final years, with generations of fans continuing to remember him for the unforgettable characters he brought to life.