Tim Curry Suffered a Major Stroke but Managed to Continue Working

The Gist:

• Tim Curry's first large role was in the musical Hair, which debuted in 1968.
• Tim has landed many legendary roles, but playing Pennywise in It is one many remember him for.
• In July 2012, Tim Curry suffered a stroke, requiring him to use a wheelchair.

After he made his film debut as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the 1973 cult classic The Rocky Horror Show, Tim Curry went on to become a beloved household name with credits across the stage and screen. A Daytime Emmy Award-winner, Tim has starred in hits such as It, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, and Muppet Treasure Island.

Unfortunately, Tim's health over the last decade or so has caused complications when it comes to performing. So, what do we know about the star's current condition?

Tim's life has included some health difficulties. The famed actor had a serious stroke in 2012 that left him requiring the use of a wheelchair.

"Tim had a stroke last July," the actor's rep told The Hollywood Reporter in 2013. "He has been going to physical therapy doing very well and still has his great sense of humor. He thanks everyone for sending good wishes."

By 2015, Tim had seemingly adjusted more to this major change in life. "I’m doing well and I’m looking forward to it," the actor told Los Angeles Magazine ahead of the 19th annual Actors Fund Tony Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles. "I’ve done a few benefits for the Actors Fund and I think it’s a marvelous organization. I hope not to have to use it."

At that very event, Tim was honored with a lifetime achievement award.

"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," he went on to tell the magazine at the time.

Tim may have lost mobility after the stroke, but the situation did nothing to diminish his love of acting. Being in a wheelchair has led him to scale back public appearances, but the star still appears for certain special events and ceremonies. On top of that, he has transitioned his acting career into one focused entirely on voice roles. Since his stroke, Tim has lent his voice talents to projects like Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Ribbit, and Ben 10: Omniverse.

In October 2023, Tim was spotted by a fan attending CreepieCon 2023. Ironically, that fan happened to be Michael Taeza, who is a cosplay artist who rose to fame performing as the one and only Pennywise. What a treat it must have been to meet the legendary Tim in the flesh!

Additionally, Tim has been quite busy in 2023, as he's participated in a number of GalaxyCon interviews.

Tim Curry is perhaps most recognizable for his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in 1975's The Rocky Horror Picture Show. But let's not forget his iconic turn as Wadsworth in Clue or his role as Pennywise in It.

Millennials probably recognize Tim from his unforgettable voice role as Nigel Thornberry in Nickelodeon's The Wild Thornberrys. In short, if you've consumed even a moderate amount of film, television, or theater in the past six or seven decades, chances are you've encountered a Tim Curry performance.

Tim Curry has always led a pretty private life, so not much is known about his romantic life. But the actor has never been married, as far as the public knows, nor does he have any children of his own.

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Tim Curry's net worth lies around $12 million. The actor has been extremely prolific throughout many decades and has a career that spans film, television, theater, and even music, so his sizeable net worth isn't very surprising.