Tim Curry at 79: health update, memoir ‘Vagabond,’ and Rocky Horror at 50

TL;DR:

Tim Curry appeared at Rocky Horror’s 50th on September 26, 2025.
He said he still cannot walk after his 2012 stroke.
He received a standing ovation and shared stories from the film.
Memoir “Vagabond” is due October 7, 2025.
His recent work includes a return to features with 2024’s “Stream.”

Tim Curry, 79, made a rare public appearance during The Rocky Horror Picture Show’s 50th anniversary events in Los Angeles on September 26, 2025. He joined castmates for a screening and Q&A, drawing a long ovation from fans. In on-stage remarks, he gave a candid update on his recovery from a 2012 stroke. He said he still cannot walk and relies on a wheelchair, while keeping his humor and warmth. People reported details from the event, including his reflections on Rocky Horror’s message, “don’t dream it, be it.”

Coverage from Decider and other outlets highlighted the sold-out screening and new 4K presentation. Curry spoke about building Frank-N-Furter’s voice, the early makeup process, and the film’s long life with audiences. He thanked fans for five decades of support.

When and where

The anniversary screening and conversation took place during the film’s golden-jubilee week in Los Angeles. The Academy Museum hosted a 4K remaster screening and discussion with Curry and collaborators. Reports and museum listings placed the celebrations across the weekend of September 26–28, 2025.

The health update

Curry described the stroke as sudden and life-threatening. He credited quick action at the time for saving his life. Thirteen years on, he said mobility in his left leg remains limited, and he “still can’t walk.” He kept the tone light, joking about not being able to dance or sing as before. Multiple outlets carried his comments following the anniversary event.

What’s next for Tim Curry

Curry has stayed active with voice roles and occasional appearances. In 2024 he returned to the big screen with Stream, his first feature in roughly 14 years, according to Variety’s exclusive announcement. He now has a memoir, Vagabond, set for release on October 7, 2025, from Grand Central Publishing, a date also shared by his official channels.

Why this moment matters

The Rocky Horror Picture Show continues to run in theaters 50 years after release. It helped many fans explore identity and self-expression. Curry’s performance shaped that impact. His appearance at the 50th underscored how art can last while artists face real health challenges. It also marked a cultural handoff to new fans who met Frank-N-Furter long after 1975. The Academy Museum event and coverage showed how the film’s midnight-movie tradition still draws crowds.

A quick refresher on Tim Curry’s career

Timothy James Curry was born on April 19, 1946, in Cheshire, England. He trained in theater, then broke out on stage as Frank-N-Furter in 1973’s The Rocky Horror Show, before carrying the role to the 1975 film. He became a mainstay across film and TV, with turns in Clue, It (1990), Annie (1982), and The Three Musketeers (1993), plus extensive voice work. Britannica and film references note his wide range, from villainy to broad comedy.

In the 2010s he kept working after his stroke, focusing on voice performances and select appearances. The Stream announcement in 2024 marked a small on-screen return, welcomed by peers and fans.

What readers should watch

Memoir release. Vagabond publishes on October 7, 2025. Look for new stories about his stage years, Rocky Horror’s early days, and later work.
Further 50th events. Screenings and panels tied to the anniversary are rolling through autumn. Museum programs and fan conventions list new dates.
Catalog spotlight. Expect streaming platforms and repertory theaters to feature Rocky Horror, Clue, and It around Halloween. Decades of fandom keep these titles in rotation.

Background: Rocky Horror’s long tail

Rocky Horror began as a scrappy stage musical in London, then jumped to the screen in 1975. It found an afterlife in midnight screenings with audience callbacks and shadow casts. This ritual turned the film into a community touchstone, especially for LGBTQ audiences. Interviews with Curry and anniversary coverage credited the film’s simple rule: come as you are.

Quick timeline

Year	Milestone
1973	Curry opens in The Rocky Horror Show on stage.
1975	Film release. Role becomes a cult icon.
1990	Plays Pennywise in the TV miniseries It.
2012	Suffers a major stroke.
2024	Returns to features with Stream.
2025	Rocky Horror turns 50, Curry attends LA celebration.

Why it matters

Curry’s update was honest. It set clear expectations while celebrating endurance. For fans, it offers a chance to cheer his work in public again. For culture writers, it is a reminder that one performance can shape half a century of audience life.

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