Richard O’Brien, creator of The Rocky Horror Show, has paid tribute to actor Tim Curry following his death at the age of 80. Curry, who passed away at his home in Los Angeles, had faced significant health challenges after suffering a major stroke in 2012.

O’Brien expressed deep sorrow, describing Curry as both a remarkable performer and a man of exceptional character. “He never sought attention and never put himself before the roles that he played,” O’Brien said. “It was both a privilege and delight to have known him and worked with him.”

Tim Curry’s career spanned more than five decades and encompassed film, television, theatre, animation, and voice acting. He was best known for his portrayal of Dr Frank-N-Furter, the eccentric alien transvestite mad scientist in the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, as well as Pennywise in the 1990 television adaptation of Stephen King’s It. His diverse filmography also included notable titles such as Annie, Clue, Legend, The Hunt for Red October, The Three Musketeers, Congo, Addams Family Reunion, and Scary Movie 2.

In a 2023 television interview, Curry spoke candidly about mortality with characteristic wit. “I don’t fear death. I try to avoid it. I think we all do, but I suspect that in the end, I will welcome it,” he said. “I think it may be very comforting to go bye-bye, and I want to earn it.”

O’Brien, who relocated from England to New Zealand at age 10, credited his upbringing in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions with inspiring the cult classic. His time working as a barber in Hamilton directly influenced the show’s development. Linus O’Brien, Richard’s son, noted in a 2025 documentary that the defining performance Curry delivered in the original stage production was pivotal, stating, “Rocky would not be what it is today” without him.

Curry reportedly won the iconic role of Dr Frank-N-Furter over other contenders, including Mick Jagger, who was previously considered for the part. O’Brien has acknowledged Curry’s impact on the show’s enduring popularity, telling a media outlet that he often wondered if the production would have achieved its lasting legacy without Curry’s involvement. “I’ve really got to be most grateful to Tim Curry,” he said. “I often think, if it had been anybody other than Tim, I wonder whether it would have had the legs that it’s had.”

Tim Curry’s death marks the loss of a versatile and influential figure whose work left a lasting imprint on theatre and film.