Tim Curry died of coronary heart disease, according to documents from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health obtained by People Magazine. The Home Alone 2 actor passed away at his home in Los Angeles last week at the age of 80.
The documents also named a history of stroke and kidney cancer as other significant conditions that contributed to his condition, but they did not result in the underlying cause of his death. The paperwork reportedly stated that Curry had not undergone any surgeries for coronary artery disease, kidney cancer, or his history of stroke.
Career highlights and tributes
Curry came to fame when he landed a role in the West End production of Hair at the age of 22. He was later cast as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a role that made him a Hollywood icon. He also received acclaim for his performances in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, IT, Annie, Clue, and Muppet Treasure Island.
Police were called to his home last week, where they found his body. In audio released of the 911 call, dispatchers could be heard describing the scene as an “ambulance death investigation”. Officials confirmed that no foul play was suspected.
Health struggles and recovery
Curry’s recent years had been marked by a series of health issues. He suffered a stroke in 2012 and underwent brain surgery shortly after. The stroke left him unable to speak for several weeks, and his memory also deteriorated. He was also unable to walk and could not use his left arm.
In a rare interview with the Guardian last year, he reflected on his recovery: “I can’t remember a f**king thing. I’m not sure that I could do theatre again.” He also shared: “It was an odd thing, because my father had a stroke and died very soon afterwards. I knew I had to force myself to relax and just take the opportunity to float a little.”
Asked about fears of another stroke, he added: “I probably should. It could happen any time. I wouldn’t want to go through it again. Because it just makes you so f**king vulnerable.”
Final public appearance
During a rare appearance at the 50-year anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Academy Museum in Los Angeles last September, he offered an update on his health: “I still can’t walk, which is why I’m in this silly chair, and that’s very limiting. So I won’t be singing and I won’t be dancing very soon. I still have real problems with my left leg.”
