Inside Tim Curry’s health struggles before his death

Tim Curry dealt with several health issues before he died on Tuesday night.

In 2012, the “It” actor suffered a major stroke while receiving a massage. Curry’s massage therapist immediately called 911 after noticing signs of trouble.

Doctors found two blood clots in the actor’s brain and he had to undergo brain surgery.

Following the stroke, Curry used a wheelchair as he continued to experience mobility issues in his left arm and leg.

Tim Curry (seen above in a wheelchair in 2026) had years-long issues with his health before he died Tuesday. Getty Images
In 2012, the “It” star (seen above in a wheelchair in 2025) suffered a massive stroke. Getty Images

The stroke also caused issues with Curry’s short-term memory.

Curry previously admitted that he wasn’t aware he was in the middle of a medical emergency when it occurred. 

“I felt fine. I had no symptoms that I was aware of. I wasn’t in pain,” he told “CBS Sunday Morning” in an October 2025 interview.

Curry said that after an “invasive” brain surgery, he had to learn how to talk again.

Curry (seen above in a wheelchair in 2025) had to undergo surgery after doctors found two blood clots in his brain Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The Emmy winner (seen holding a cigarette in 2010) experienced mobility issues following the stroke. Kevin Winter

Last September, the “Clue” star revealed that he was still unable to walk.

“I still can’t walk, which is why I’m in this silly chair,” he told the crowd at a 50th anniversary screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” per the Hollywood Reporter.

“That’s very limiting,” Curry added.

“So I won’t be singing and I won’t be dancing very soon. I still have real problems with my left leg.”

Curry (seen above at the premiere of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do The Time Warp Again” in 2016) was confined to a wheelchair. FilmMagic
Last September, the “Clue” actor (seen above at the Wiltern in 2010) revealed he was still unable to walk. Kevin Winter

Curry passed away late Tuesday night at his Los Angeles home, his rep confirmed to USA Today.

“Tim Curry, the iconic actor and entertainer globally beloved for his dynamic contributions to the stage and screen, passed away peacefully at his home in Toluca Lake, Los Angeles, on Aug. 26, 2026, confirmed by his longtime manager and friend Marcia Hurwitz,” the statement read.

“Though widely known for his inimitable, flamboyant characters and colorful stage performances, his greatest legacies to those who knew him were his curious, expansive mind and generous, gentle heart, both of which remained open and filled with anticipation until his final breath.”

There is no foul play suspected in Curry’s death, law enforcement sources told TMZ, who was first to report the news.

Los Angeles Fire Department exclusively told Page Six they had a call to Curry’s home in North Hollywood, California, at 10:42 p.m. for a medical event.

They arrived to find a deceased male on the scene.

In Curry’s final interview last year, he shared that he did not “fear death,” adding that it would be “very comforting to go bye-bye.”

Curry (seen above in a wheelchair in 2025) died on Tuesday night. He was 80. Getty Images
Last year, the “Scary Movie 2” star (seen above with James Cole, Rob Schneider, Dana Ivey and Fred Krause in “Home Alone 2: Lost in New York”) said he did not fear death. ©20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

“I want to earn it. I want to earn the privilege of not being here. … I think I might very well embrace it,” he said on “CBS Sunday Morning.”

However, Curry said he “tried to avoid” death and was “not galloping toward it.”

The Emmy Award winner never married and had no children.

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