Susan Sarandon has described her former co-star Tim Curry as “funny, sexy, original” after his death at the age of 80. Curry died at his Los Angeles home, according to his long-time manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz. A cause of death was not confirmed, however it comes after Curry suffered a major stroke in 2012, leaving his left side paralysed.
Rocky Horror Co-Stars Pay Tribute
Curry and Sarandon starred together in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where he played transvestite alien scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter and she played Janet, one half of an unsuspecting couple who arrive at his house. Sharing several photos of the pair together on Instagram, Sarandon wrote: “What a funny, sexy, original he was. But what I loved about him most was his heart.
“Even wheelchair bound he continued to be so sweet and generous with his fans. Thank you Tim for meaning so much to so many people. Love you, S.”
Barry Bostwick, who portrayed Janet’s fiance Brad in the film, also paid tribute, writing: “The river was deep but you swam it… the road was long but you ran it. Dammit Tim, I love you!”
Luke Evans, who portrayed Frank-N-Furter in the 2026 Broadway production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, wrote: “Three weeks ago, I wrote a letter to Tim Curry. He was a force, a bright fierce flame, an exquisite charm and that rich vocal tone, he was an inspiration to me and so many more people for the roles he played and the effect he had on so many of us.
“There will only be one Tim Curry. All the rest of us will just have to do our best to emulate some of the magic of that role that I’ve just spent 7 months playing.”
Evans then shared the letter he wrote to Curry, where he said being compared to him was “one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever received” and thanked him for his “fearless performance” as Frank-N-Furter. Evans, along with Paul Soileau, who currently plays Frank, and Jake Shears, who will be the next actor in the role, all performed a rendition of I’m Going Home on Wednesday in memory of Curry.
Career Highlights Remembered
Curry had a versatile career spanning stage and screen, with notable film credits in It (1990), Muppet Treasure Island (1996) and Annie (1982), and tributes have poured in. Actress Annie Potts, who appeared in Ghostbusters in 1984 and voiced Bo Peep in the Toy Story films, wrote: “My darling Tim. My Best Man at my wedding. My neighbor. My boys’ Uncle. He taught me about friendship and cooking and design and gardens. I taught him how to fish. I am so happy that you are released now… into a most beautiful garden… I will miss you beyond words.”
A tribute on the Muppets Instagram account read: “Few humans have earned the title of honorary Muppet more than the legendary Tim Curry.
“As a performer he was unparalleled – witty, charming, unnerving, and deeply funny.
“We will always consider it one of our greatest treasures to have been part of Long John Silver’s crew. Thank you for everything, Tim.”
Rob Schneider paid tribute to his “great and wonderful” Home Alone co-star, saying: “It was truly an honour to know you.” Schneider, 62, shared a lengthy message to Instagram in which he also said: “I have never known another actor who could say more with a knowing grin or a raised eyebrow than the splendid Tim Curry.”
In the message, which was accompanied with a picture of Curry from the hit film, Schneider described feeling “astonished as a young actor” as he watched his co-star film seven “completely different” but “fantastic” takes of a scene. He said: “I asked him about it, and he gave me a great gift.
“Tim said, ‘I want to give the director different choices! It’s not my job to decide which one. It’s up to him!'”
Final Tributes from Cast and Creators
In a statement to the New Zealand Herald, Rocky Horror Picture Show creator Richard O’Brien said: “Tim Curry was a wonderful man by nature who was also a wonderful performer and understood the difference between such delightful achievements.
“He never sought attention and never put himself before the roles that he played. He was, in short, a good egg and class act.”
Model and actress Kelly Brook recalled how “lovely” it was working alongside Curry on 2000 thriller film Sorted in a touching tribute on Instagram. She wrote: “During our lunch break, I told him I was going to LA for a couple of weeks to accompany a friend who had some meetings. I was 19-years-old.
“Tim kindly offered to introduce me to his then-manager Joan Hyler.”
Brook said this led to Hyler representing her as an actress, leading to various film and TV roles, adding: “I did often think I owed my career in the USA to Tim Curry as it’s these sorts of introductions that change the course of your life.
“He was such a lovely, generous, kind man and so talented.”
Actor Richard E Grant shared a snap of Curry in his famous role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show as he paid tribute, praising the star for his “indelible, fearless insouciance”. Dee Snider, the frontman of Twisted Sister, wrote on X: “RIP TIM CURRY. Your performance as Frank-N-Furter changed my life (and makeup) forever.”
Curry starred in the 1982 musical film Annie opposite Carol Burnett as Miss Hannigan – playing her con-artist brother. The actress recounted having a “wonderful time” on set with Curry as she paid tribute, adding: “Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend. I was blessed to know him.”
Known for his wit and gift with voices, Curry was renowned for his portrayal of villains including Stephen King’s antagonist Dancing Clown Pennywise in the film adaptation of his horror novel It. The author paid tribute to the actor in a post on Threads and said: “Tim Curry, the original Pennywise. RIP.”
