English actor Tim Curry, best known for his iconic portrayal of Dr Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, has died at the age of 80, according to TMZ.
Curry reportedly died at his home in Los Angeles after dealing with health complications for more than a decade following a debilitating stroke.
The actor built his career on both stage and screen, first making a name for himself in London’s West End theatre scene before landing the role that would define much of his career.
Curry originally portrayed the flamboyant scientist Dr Frank-N-Furter on stage in The Rocky Horror Show before reprising the character in the 1975 film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The movie went on to become a cult classic and remains particularly popular through midnight cinema screenings more than five decades after its release.
Curry later took on a wide range of roles across film and television. He famously portrayed the terrifying Pennywise in the 1990 television miniseries adaptation of Stephen King’s It.
His other notable credits included appearances in Annie, Clue and Charlie’s Angels, among several other productions.
Curry’s career spanned decades and established him as a distinctive performer whose work crossed theatre, film and television.
His performance as Frank-N-Furter in particular cemented his place in popular culture and made him one of the most recognisable figures associated with The Rocky Horror Picture Show.