Tim Curry is very much alive. Honestly, it’s one of those things people search for every few months because he’s been so quiet lately. If you grew up watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show or getting nightmares from his Pennywise in the original IT, you’ve probably wondered what he’s up to. As of early 2026, he is still with us, though his life looks a lot different than it did during the high-energy days of the 70s and 80s.
He’s 79 now. Time flies, right? While he isn't dancing across stages in fishnets anymore, he’s still remarkably active in ways that don't require him to be on his feet. The internet loves a good death hoax, and Curry has been the victim of them more than once, but don’t believe everything you see on a random Facebook sidebar.
What’s the deal with his health?
Back in July 2012, everything changed for Tim. He suffered a massive stroke at his home in Los Angeles. It was a big one. For a long time, his team kept it pretty quiet, but eventually, it became clear that the recovery was going to be a lifelong process. The stroke left him with significant mobility issues and partially paralyzed on one side.
Basically, he’s a full-time wheelchair user now. He’s been very open about it recently, too. At a 50th-anniversary screening of Rocky Horror just a few months back, he told the crowd, "I'm currently sitting in a wheelchair, so get over it!" It’s that classic, dry British wit that made him a star in the first place. He hasn't lost his spark, even if his body isn't cooperating like it used to.
📖 Related: Is There Actually a Wife of Tiger Shroff? Sorting Fact from Viral Fiction
He’s admitted in interviews—specifically a deep-dive with The Guardian in late 2025—that he still can't walk and probably won't be doing it anytime soon. He also mentioned some struggles with short-term memory, which makes traditional acting or theater almost impossible. But he’s not sitting around doing nothing.
He actually made a movie comeback recently
You might have missed this, but Curry recently returned to the big screen. For years, he stuck strictly to voice work because, well, your voice doesn't care if you're in a wheelchair. But in 2024, he appeared in a horror movie called Stream.
The director, Michael Leavy, was basically a super-fan who made it happen. It was Curry’s first live-action feature film role in 14 years. Think about that. Since 2010’s Burke & Hare, we hadn't seen his actual face in a new movie character. Seeing him back on screen, even in a limited capacity, was a huge moment for fans who thought he’d retired for good.
👉 See also: Bea Alonzo and Boyfriend Vincent Co: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
The Voice That Never Quits
Even when he wasn't on camera, you've probably heard him. Curry has a voice that is instantly recognizable—gravelly, elegant, and a little bit sinister.
- He was Darth Sidious in Star Wars: The Clone Wars.
- He voiced Auntie Whispers in the cult hit Over the Garden Wall.
- He still does private autograph signings and virtual fan meets through his official site.
He’s leaning into his legacy. Recently, there's been talk of a memoir titled Vagabond where he really gets into the nitty-gritty of his career and his recovery. It’s a way for him to stay connected to the fans without having to deal with the physical toll of a press tour.
Why do people keep thinking he passed away?
It’s the wheelchair. Society has this weird habit of assuming that if a high-energy performer isn't "performing" the way they used to, they must be gone. People see a photo of him looking older or sitting in his chair and they jump to conclusions. Plus, there was another "Tim Curry" (a theater actor in Texas) who passed away years ago, and the headlines caused a total meltdown on social media because people didn't read past the name.
✨ Don't miss: What Really Happened With Dane Witherspoon: His Life and Passing Explained
The reality is that Tim Curry is a survivor. He’s survived a "failed" start to his career (yeah, Rocky Horror was actually a flop when it first opened), he’s survived the grueling schedule of Broadway, and he’s surviving the aftermath of a near-fatal health crisis. He’s still got that sharp tongue and that wicked laugh.
What you can do to support him
If you’re a fan, the best thing you can do is actually engage with his current work rather than just mourning his past.
- Check out Stream: It’s his big return to film.
- Listen to his audiobooks: He has narrated some incredible classics. Hearing him read A Christmas Carol is an experience everyone needs.
- Respect his privacy: He doesn't do a lot of "paparazzi" stuff, and for good reason. He’s living his life on his terms in LA.
- Visit his official site: He actually does virtual meet-and-greets. It’s a cool way to tell the legend himself what his work meant to you.
He might not be doing the Time Warp on his feet, but Tim Curry is definitely still here, still working, and still one of the coolest humans on the planet.
For the latest updates, keep an eye on official fan portals or reputable entertainment news. Avoid the "celebrity death" clickbait sites—they're just looking for your data. Stick to the sources that actually talk to him, like People or The Hollywood Reporter.