Tim Curry, Star of 'Rocky Horror' and 'Clue,' Dies at 80

Tim Curry, the actor whose magnetic performances in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' 'Clue,' and 'Annie' made him a beloved figure across generations, has died at the age of 80. He passed away in Los Angeles, his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz announced on Wednesday. A cause of death was not immediately shared, though Curry had suffered a major stroke in 2012.

Tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers. Carol Burnett, who appeared with Curry in the 1982 film 'Annie,' remembered him on Instagram, writing, "Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend. I was blessed to know him."

Luke Evans, who recently played Dr. Frank-N-Furter on Broadway—a role Curry originated on stage and in the 1975 film—called him "a force, a bright fierce flame." Evans shared a letter he had written to Curry during his run, noting that "every actor who puts on Frank inevitably walks into a conversation that started with you."

Susan Sarandon, Curry's co-star in 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' praised his originality and heart, writing, "Even wheelchair bound he continued to be so sweet and generous with his fans."

Rob Schneider, who worked with Curry on 'Home Alone 2: Lost in New York,' recalled watching Curry perform the same scene seven different ways, a lesson that "changed everything" for him. Michael McKean and Lesley Ann Warren, from the 1985 film 'Clue,' also shared fond memories, with Warren calling him a "magician of artistry."

Josh Gad, Jillian Bell, Jennifer Tilly, and Brooke Shields were among others who paid tribute. Bell credited Curry with inspiring her to become an actor, while Shields noted that "Broadway & Film will never be the same."

Curry's death came shortly after that of country music star Dolly Parton, also at 80, prompting tributes to both icons. From Frank-N-Furter to Pennywise and his many comic roles, Curry leaves behind a decades-long legacy that touched film, television, and theatre.