Tim Curry‘s cause of death has been revealed eight days after the beloved actor died peacefully at his Los Angeles home at age 80.
Newly obtained public health records identify coronary artery disease as the primary cause while also disclosing two other significant conditions in the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” legend’s medical history.
The revelation arrives after years in which Curry candidly discussed the devastating stroke that permanently changed his life.
According to documents obtained by PEOPLE from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Curry died from coronary artery disease.
The records also listed a history of stroke and kidney cancer as other significant conditions that contributed to his death but were not identified as the underlying cause.
Curry died at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, on Tuesday, August 25. His time of death was listed as 11:18 p.m.
His longtime manager confirmed that the British actor died peacefully, while Los Angeles police previously said officers responded to a call for service that night and completed a death investigation.
Curry never married and did not have children, but his nearly six-decade career left him with generations of admirers who knew him from the stage, movies, television and voice acting.
Tim Curry Spent 14 Years Living With Effects Of Devastating Stroke
5The newly disclosed health information brings renewed attention to Curry’s most publicly known medical struggle.
He suffered a major stroke in July 2012 that dramatically altered his life and eventually left him unable to walk.
As The Blast previously reported, Curry was receiving a massage when the therapist became concerned and insisted on calling an ambulance, even though the actor initially did not realize that anything was seriously wrong.
Doctors discovered two blood clots in his brain, and Curry later detailed undergoing emergency treatment in his 2025 memoir, “Vagabond.”
The stroke caused lasting neurological damage and temporarily robbed him of his ability to speak. Curry underwent extensive rehabilitation and continued using a wheelchair for the remainder of his life.
He nevertheless refused to allow his physical limitations to completely end his career.
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Tim Curry Gave A Candid Health Update Before His Death
5Curry remained remarkably open about the lasting impact of his stroke when he made a rare public appearance in September 2025.
While attending a 50th anniversary celebration of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles, he acknowledged just how limiting his condition had become.
“I still can’t walk, which is why I’m in this silly chair, and that’s very limiting,” Curry said at the time per The Hollywood Reporter.
He added that he continued having “real problems” with his left leg and did not expect to return to singing or dancing anytime soon.
Despite those limitations, Curry continued making appearances and working where possible.
“Clue” co-star Lesley Ann Warren later recalled seeing Curry struggle during some of his later public appearances but praised the courage and humor he continued to display despite what he was enduring.
That resilience had become an important part of his later years, particularly as he adjusted his career toward voice acting and occasional screen appearances.
Tim Curry Spoke About Death With Remarkable Calm
5One of Curry’s final major interviews has taken on additional meaning following the disclosure of his cause of death.
Speaking in a 2025 interview with Ben Mankiewicz, the actor said he did not fear dying and suggested he might ultimately “embrace it.”
His outlook also appeared in “Vagabond,” which offered a rare window into the intensely private star’s life, career and recovery.
Curry was known for keeping his personal relationships away from public scrutiny. Although he never married, he stressed in his memoir that he had experienced both love and heartbreak while refusing to reveal intimate details.
Tim Curry Still Has One Final Big-Screen Appearance Ahead
5Although Curry has died, moviegoers have apparently not seen his final performance.
The actor reportedly completed his scenes for the upcoming horror sequel “Stream 2: Sudden Death” before his passing.
Director Michael Leavy confirmed that Curry had finished his work on the project, in which he reprises his role as the mysterious Lockwood.
His final screen appearance adds another chapter to a career that stretched from London’s West End to Broadway, Hollywood and recording studios.
Curry originated Dr. Frank-N-Furter in “The Rocky Horror Show” before immortalizing the character in the 1975 film. He later became known for roles including Wadsworth in “Clue,” Rooster Hannigan in “Annie,” Pennywise in “It” and Long John Silver in “Muppet Treasure Island.”
Following his death, that influence was also felt back on Broadway.
Performers from “Rocky Horror” paid tribute to Curry with an emotional “I’m Going Home” encore, honoring the performer whose interpretation of Frank-N-Furter helped transform the role into a pop-culture institution.
