Heartbreaking audio of the 911 call made after Tim Curry's death has been revealed. The Hollywood actor, best known for his roles in Home Alone 2 and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, died on Tuesday at the age of 80. The news emerged on Wednesday afternoon.
Police Respond to Curry's LA Home
Police were called to Curry's home in Los Angeles late on Tuesday night, where they found his body. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed, and according to reports, no foul play is suspected.
In newly released audio obtained by the Daily Mail, dispatchers could be heard confirming his address on the 911 call before describing the situation as an “ambulance death investigation”. The LAPD reportedly confirmed to the outlet that the death investigation report had been completed.
Health Struggles in Recent Years
Curry's recent years had been marked by a series of health issues. He suffered a stroke in 2012 and underwent surgery on his brain shortly after. The stroke left him unable to speak for several weeks, unable to walk, and unable to use his left arm. His memory also deteriorated.
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 added, “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 having another stroke, he said: “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.” Speaking to CBS in 2021, he insisted: "I don't fear death. I try to avoid it. I think we all do, but I suspect that in the end, I will welcome it. I think it may be very comforting to go bye-bye, and I want to earn it."
Tributes From Co-Stars and Fans
Curry stepped into the spotlight at age 22 after landing a role in Hair on the West End. He went on to delight millions with his performances as Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Mr Hector in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and Pennywise in the 1990 adaptation of IT.
Tributes have poured in from actors Carol Burnett and Michael McKean, as well as IT author Stephen King. Burnett posted a video from their time together on Annie, with the caption: “We had such a wonderful time working together on Annie. Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend. I was blessed to know him.”
McKean shared on Twitter: “My last conversation with Tim Curry was about life and love and laughter. The grim physical state he found himself in has now ended, a blessing. Our blessing was that we had Tim Curry in our lives. RIP, my friend.”
Luke Evans, who starred as Dr Frank in the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, branded him an inspiration. He wrote: “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 had on so many of us. There will only be one Tim Curry.”
