Tim Curry bravely opened up about ‘very limiting’ health battle in final public appearance before tragic death aged 80

TIM Curry bravely opened up about his “very limiting” health battle in his final public appearance before his tragic death aged 80. The legendary English actor died at his Los Angeles home on Tuesday night, according to reports. L-R: David Foster, Lou Adler, Tim Curry, Fat Mike and David Gorman attend Celebrating the Music of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at GRAMMY Museum L.A. Credit: Getty Tim is a celebrated actor, known for his roles in cult films Credit: Getty Tim, who suffered a devastating stroke in 2012, had been left unable to walk and relied on a wheelchair and carers for everyday support before his death, TMZ reports. His final public appearance was in September last year, when he joined his Rocky Horror co-stars for a special 50th anniversary screening of the cult classic. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! He received a standing ovation as he took to the stage at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Tim gave fans a heartbreaking insight into the lasting impact of his stroke as he spoke openly about his health. Tim Curry in Home Alone 2 Credit: Alamy Tim Curry in Stephen King’s movie IT Credit: Kobal “I still can’t walk, which is why I’m in this silly chair, and that’s very limiting,” he said. “So I won’t be singing and I won’t be dancing very soon. I still have real problems with my left leg.” The actor also revealed how little he initially noticed when the stroke struck while he was having a massage. “I was having a massage at the time and I didn’t even actually notice anything,” he recalled. Most read in TV “But the guy who was doing the massage said, ‘I’m worried about you, I want to call an ambulance.’” Tim said he initially dismissed the concern, replying: “That’s so silly.” The actor had been joined by Barry Bostwick, Patricia Quinn and Nell Campbell at the emotional anniversary event. Tim famously played flamboyant scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 film, having first originated the role on stage. He became a cult icon playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show Credit: Alamy Tim Curry in Scary Movie 2 Credit: Buena Vista International The performance transformed him into a cult icon and launched a career spanning film, television and theatre. He later terrified audiences as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the 1990 adaptation of Stephen King’s It. Tim also appeared in Home Alone 2, Scary Movie and The Three Musketeers, among a string of other major roles. His stroke forced him to step back from much of his public life, although he continued working where possible and underwent years of rehabilitation. He made a rare public appearance in 2015, when he received a lifetime achievement award at the Actors Fund Tony Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles. Tim later returned to the big screen in 2024 with a role in horror film Stream, marking his first feature film role in 14 years. The Plymouth-born star also continued connecting with fans virtually through conventions in his later years. Tim’s death was first reported by TMZ, which said he died late on Tuesday at his Los Angeles home. His cause of death has not been disclosed. Comment now