Tim Curry’s Cause of Death Revealed

Curry’s death is attributed to coronary artery disease, according to documents obtained by People from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

The actor, known for his starring roles as Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 cult classic film The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 miniseries It , based on Stephen King’s novel, died Aug. 25 at his Toluca Lake home in Los Angeles at age 80. His longtime manager and friend, Marcia Hurwitz, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter on Aug. 26 . Related Stories Business Sheri Herman, Former Executive at E! and American Cybercast, Dies at 71 TV Marty Nadler, Writer, Producer and Longtime Garry Marshall Contributor, Dies at 80

The documents also listed a history of stroke and kidney cancer as other significant conditions that contributed to his death. However, neither was listed as the underlying cause.

The Clue actor had suffered a major stroke in 2012. He reflected on the stroke in an October 2025 interview with Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz that aired on CBS Sunday Morning .

“It was so strange,” he said. “I was actually having a massage, and the guy who was giving me a massage said, ‘I’m worried about you. I think we should call a doctor.’ I felt fine. I had no symptoms I was aware of. I wasn’t in pain.”

Curry said he was “scared” because his dad suffered a fatal stroke when he was 10 years old.

As a result of the stroke, Curry underwent brain surgery and rehabilitation. “I had to learn how to speak again. That was very weird. I hated not being able to speak,” he said, adding that the left side of his face became paralyzed.

Curry was also beloved for his roles in Monty Python’s Spamalot , Annie, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York , Legend and more.

Following the news of his death, many of Curry’s former co-stars and other celebrities publicly shared tributes honoring the actor’s decadeslong career.