Actor Tim Curry, who gained everlasting fame for playing Dr. Frank N. Furter in the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” died of coronary artery disease, it was reported Wednesday.
People reported Wednesday that it obtained documents from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health listing coronary artery disease as Curry’s primary cause of death. A history of stroke and kidney cancer were listed as contributing conditions.
Curry died Aug. 25 at his Los Angeles home. He was 80.
Curry had been in declining health since suffering a debilitating stroke in 2012, although he continued to work. The stroke left him with limited mobility and required him to use a wheelchair.
Born in Grappenhall, Cheshire, England, Curry’s involvement with the role that would change his life began in 1973, when Richard O’Brien’s musical comedy “The Rocky Horror Show” debuted on the London stage. Curry worked to further develop the lead character, Dr. Frank N. Furter.
Two years later, the play was adapted into the film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” directed by Jim Sharman and co-starring Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick.
The story follows a young, sheltered engaged couple whose car breaks down near a country castle, where they encounter Curry’s eccentric scientist and his collection of unusual guests.
The film initially struggled at the box office but developed an enduring cult following through midnight screenings, where fans dressed as characters, shouted lines at the screen and sang along with the musical numbers.
His film credits included “Annie,” “Clue,” “The Hunt for Red October,” “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,” “Muppet Treasure Island” and “Scary Movie 2.”
Curry also portrayed the murderous clown Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s “It.”
His stage career included roles in “Amadeus,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” “My Favorite Year” and “A Christmas Carol.” He received three Tony Award nominations during his career.
Curry also became a prolific voice actor and won a Daytime Emmy for voicing Captain Hook in the animated series “Peter Pan and the Pirates.”
Curry never married and had no children.