Legendary British actor Tim Curry, whose unforgettable performances in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clue, and Stephen King’s It cemented his status as a cult icon.
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However, he disappeared from the public eye in 2012 and was recently spotted in a rare public appearance in Los Angeles. Seated in a wheelchair, the 79-year-old actor was seen smiling and waving to fans, sparking a wave of nostalgia and support from admirers worldwide. He wore a red sweater, black trousers and bright red trainers as his helper pushed him around in the wheelchair.
Why did Tim Curry disappear from public life?
In 2012, Tim Curry’s vibrant career came to a sudden halt when he suffered a major stroke at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 66. The medical emergency resulted in partial paralysis and left him with speech difficulties, forcing him to step back from the spotlight.
The stroke marked an abrupt pause in his career that had spanned decades and captivated audiences across the globe.
Interestingly, despite having a stroke and going through a major incident in his life, Curry kept it a secret for months. He wasn’t on social media, and the public was unaware of his stroke until the news broke in 2013.
Curry eventually worked with therapists to recover his speech and started his career as a voice actor. His agent confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter in 2015:
He absolutely can speak.
His last role was a cameo in a horror movie called Stream, which marked his first feature film role in 14 years.
A quiet life now
Despite not being in public life much, he has kept himself busy with several interviews and events. In 2015, he was honoured with The Actors Fund Lifetime Achievement Award at the Tony Awards.
He joked at that time that the fund would assist in his funeral. He also shared:
I’ve done a few benefits for the Actors Fund, and I think it’s a marvellous organisation. I hope not to have to use it.
It means that it just sort of solidifies the kind of work the American acting community has given me for years now.
It’s very gracious of them, I think. I was thrilled when they told me, and I am thrilled now.
Over the years, he has made voice cameos in animated series and participated in virtual reunions, including a memorable appearance during a Rocky Horror livestream that delighted fans worldwide. His days are now spent in the comfort of his Los Angeles home, where he prioritizes health.
Tim, who still has a cult fan following, is set to release his autobiography titled Vagabond later this year. He also celebrated his 79th birthday on April 19, 2025.
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Sources used:
Mirror: Tim Curry seen on rare outing with carer 13 years after suffering a stroke
MSN: What happened to Tim Curry: The real reason he stopped acting
Tribune: Tim Curry turns 79: 'Rocky Horror Picture' star's career and life in the spotlight amid stroke
