British actor Tim Curry has died at the age of 80, according to multiple Italian news outlets including Il Fatto Quotidiano. The reports, published on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, confirm the passing of the performer who built a career spanning five decades across film, theater, and television.
Curry was best known for two iconic roles. He first gained international fame as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a performance that made him a household name. Decades later, he introduced a new generation to terror as Pennywise the Clown in the 1990 television miniseries adaptation of Stephen King's IT.
According to Il Fatto Quotidiano, Curry's career lasted roughly 50 years, during which he worked extensively in cinema, on stage, and on television. The outlet notes that his fame was cemented by his work in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, while other reports from la Repubblica and Sky TG24 also highlight his role as the terrifying clown in IT as a defining moment of his later career.
RaiNews, in its obituary, refers to Curry as a legendary star of the Rocky Horror Show, underscoring the lasting impact of his stage work in addition to his screen performances. The actor's ability to move between theatrical productions and mainstream film roles made him a versatile figure in entertainment.
Curry's health had been a topic of public interest in his later years, though the reports confirm only his age at death and the broad outline of his career. The cause of death has not been specified in the available reporting.
For those looking to revisit his work, The Rocky Horror Picture Show remains the essential starting point, offering a clear view of the charisma and range that defined his long career.
