Tim Curry’s Cause of Death Revealed as Coronary Heart Disease

Tim Curry died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles from coronary heart disease, according to documents from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health obtained by People. The British actor, best known for playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, was 80.

The documents list Curry’s history of stroke and kidney cancer as other significant conditions that contributed to his death, but not as the main cause. They also state that he underwent no surgery for the coronary disease, kidney cancer or stroke history. The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that officers responded to a service call on Aug. 25 and investigated the death of an 80-year-old man at a home in the North Hollywood area.

Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012, after which he reduced his public appearances and gradually stepped back from acting. He worked more often on voice projects. In an interview in September 2025, he said he still could not walk and used a wheelchair. Problems with his left leg also made it difficult for him to return to singing and dancing.

Curry recalled that he did not realize he was having a stroke while receiving a massage. The massage therapist became concerned and called an ambulance. Curry never married and had no children. He studied at Birmingham University and began his career on London’s West End, appearing in the original 1968 production of Hair.

His stage career brought three Tony Award nominations and two Laurence Olivier Award nominations. On film, he played Rooster Hannigan in Annie, Wadsworth in Clue and Long John Silver in Muppet Treasure Island. His most enduring role remained Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 musical film, which later became one of cinema’s most influential cult classics.