Cause of Death Revealed for Tim Curry; “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “IT” Star Passes Away at 80
According to CinemaDrame News Agency, the cause of death for renowned actor Tim Curry has been revealed one week following his passing. According to records obtained from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, his cause of death was listed as coronary artery disease.
The actor, best known for his iconic performance as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show and as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the 1990 miniseries IT (adapted from Stephen King’s novel), passed away on August 25 at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, at the age of 80. Marcia Hurwitz, his longtime manager and close friend, confirmed the news on August 26.
The medical documents also listed a history of stroke and kidney cancer as contributing conditions to his declining health, though neither was registered as the primary cause of death.
The Clue star suffered a major stroke in 2012. Recalling that period during an October 2025 interview with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz, Curry said: “It was very strange. I was getting a massage when the masseur told me, ‘I’m worried about you, I think we should call a doctor.’ But I felt fine and had no noticeable signs, nor was I feeling any pain.”
In that interview, Curry noted that he was terrified, as his father had also passed away from a stroke when Curry was just 10 years old. Following his stroke, he underwent brain surgery and physical therapy. He recalled: “I had to learn how to speak again. It was a very strange experience, and I hated not being able to talk.” He also added that the left side of his face had experienced paralysis.
In addition to these works, Curry was widely beloved by audiences for his starring role in Monty Python’s musical Spamalot, as well as hit films such as Annie, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and Legend.
Following news of his death, numerous former co-stars and prominent figures across film and theater shared tributes honoring the artist’s legendary, multi-decade career.
