Tim Curry Said He Wasn’t Afraid of Death: His Final Reflections on Life, Illness, and Finding Peace at 80

Tim Curry once opened up about his thoughts on death in one of his final interviews — a deeply personal conversation that came before the legendary actor passed away at the age of 80.

The star of The Rocky Horror Picture Show revealed that he was not afraid of the end of his life. Instead, Curry said he believed death was something people could eventually accept after living a meaningful life.

During a 2025 interview with CBS Mornings alongside host Ben Mankiewicz, Curry was asked whether he ever thought about death and whether the idea of it frightened him.

“No, I don’t fear death,” Curry replied. “I try to avoid it, as I think we all do! But I suspect that in the end, I will welcome it.”

When asked what he meant, the actor laughed and explained that leaving this world might actually bring a sense of comfort.

“Well, I think it may be very comforting to go bye-bye — and I want to earn it,” Curry said.

He explained that he wanted to “earn the privilege” of no longer being here, while making clear that he was not rushing toward death.

“I want to earn the privilege of not being here,” he added. “I’m not galloping towards it.”

When asked whether death might ultimately feel like a relief, Curry simply responded:

“I think I will embrace it.”

Tim Curry’s Peaceful View of Mortality

Curry shared similar thoughts about death in his 2025 memoir Vagabond, which was published in October.

In the book, he wrote that he was not frightened by death, even though many people were surprised when he expressed that belief.

“People often balk when I say that, but I do not believe that a heaven or hell awaits me, or anything in between, though I would be curious to visit either,” Curry wrote.

He continued:

“If death comes for me peacefully and I fade gently from light into dark oblivion, why would I be afraid of it?”

For Curry, death was not something to fear. At times, he believed it could even bring a sense of comfort.

His Difficult Recovery After a 2012 Stroke

During his interview with CBS Mornings, Curry also reflected on one of the greatest challenges of his life — the major stroke he suffered in 2012 that left him paralyzed and forced him through an extensive recovery process.

Curry recalled that after the stroke happened, his thoughts immediately turned to his father, who had also suffered a stroke before his death in 1958.

“I knew that a lot of people didn’t survive a stroke, and that he was an exception,” Curry said. “So, I was scared.”

Following the stroke, Curry underwent brain surgery and rehabilitation. He experienced paralysis on his left side and had to relearn how to speak.

“That was very weird,” he recalled. “I hated not being able to speak because I have to be told to shut up a lot. I love words. I love to communicate.”

Despite facing such a life-changing health crisis, Curry said he never wanted to dwell on self-pity.

The actor explained that he did not “admire self-pity much,” describing that mindset as a “legacy from my mother” — something he remained grateful for.

The Legacy of a Hollywood Icon

Tim Curry began his acting career in the late 1960s and went on to become one of the most recognizable performers in film, television, and theater.

He became a worldwide icon through his unforgettable role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a cult classic that continues to influence generations of fans.

After his stroke in 2012, Curry continued working, although he focused more heavily on voice-over projects. He still made select public appearances, including his role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show: Let’s Do The Time Warp Again and a special celebration marking the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in October 2025.

Tim Curry Dies at 80

A representative for Tim Curry confirmed to PEOPLE that the actor died at the age of 80 on Wednesday, Aug. 26.

According to TMZ, which first reported the news, Curry passed away late Tuesday night at his home in Los Angeles.

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to PEOPLE that officers responded to a call for service at 11:20 p.m. on Aug. 25 and completed a death investigation involving a man in his 80s at a residence in North Hollywood.

Throughout a career spanning more than five decades, Tim Curry left behind a remarkable legacy defined by his unforgettable performances, distinctive voice, and one-of-a-kind stage presence.

His final reflections on death offered a glimpse into the mindset of an artist who had experienced both extraordinary success and profound personal challenges — someone who chose to embrace life fully and face the final chapter with acceptance and peace.