Tim Curry Suffered A Life-Changing Stroke That Left Him Wheelchair-Bound But He Incredibly Bounced Back

Sep 05, 2023

Tim Curry’s acting resume is filled with hit movie roles, making him a household name for decades. Some of his popularly known roles are preserved in films like "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Curry has been thriving in the movie industry for years and has always dazzled fans with his awesome acting skills on screen.

However, unfortunately, the actor suffered a life-changing stroke in 2012, which forced a hiatus on his career trajectory. But Curry was far from giving up as he made a comeback years later. Here’s a look at the actor's health and journey through returning to the Hollywood scene. 

Before suffering a stroke, Curry had a very impressive career. The actor got his first role in the movie, "Hair," in 1968. Although the production later found out that Curry lied, he had the professional experience and equity card required for the role, and he was retained thanks to his impressive skills.

He also took an opportunity and landed the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" in 1974. Prior to starring in the musical horror film, Curry was worried about being typecast. However, he did not have to worry anymore after the film’s success.   

Curry went on to star in other amazing movies all through his career. After "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," Curry took voice acting roles in movies like "Fantastic Max," "Peter Pan and the Pirates," "Paddington Bear" and "The Wild Thornberrys." Curry appeared in other blockbusters like "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York," "The Worst Witch," "Congo," "Charlie's Angels" and many more.

Also, for his career as a singer, Curry released three albums which include "Fearless," "Simplicity" and "Read My Lips."

It is no news that Curry's career started thriving right from when he landed his first role. However, the Daytime Emmy Award-winner suffered a career blow when he suffered a major stroke in July 2012. Curry's lack of screen presence was noticed, and his fans were surprised by his unannounced absence.

Although the actor is known to keep some of the happenings in his life private, he did not keep fans guessing about his whereabouts for too long. The award-winning actor was fortunately able to give fans an insight into his health. These were times he appeared in public events wheelchair-bound. Curry's subtle revelation of his health issues caught his fans by surprise. Aside from that, the actor made two appearances in a wheelchair, one at a film premiere in 2016 and another as a guest in North Carolina at a comic convention.

Fans were surprised and sad to see their all-time favorite actor in a wheelchair. They took to social media to comment on his appearance and how he had aged. One fan wrote on their social media account, "He looks terribly frail, I hope he's on the mend." Another expressed: "This is the one and only Tim Curry. He is wheelchair bound, post-stroke, and in the middle of a pandemic… and STILL signing autographs for his fans." 

Although fans expressed sadness over the actor's health, he shared in 2015 how he had been getting by. The actor noted that his sense of humor played a part. "It's not tough to maintain. It is just part of my DNA." It was also revealed in 2013 that the actor was undergoing physical therapy. 

Curry noticeably bounced back after the serious health issue that changed his life for over a decade. In October 2020, the actor made a rare appearance during a livestream at a fundraiser event where he read the original script of "Rocky Horror'' along with other co-stars. Curry also shared with ABC News that he always looked back on his role in the film with, "a sort of amused tolerance," adding that he was lucky. 

Although the stroke left Curry to depend on a wheelchair, it did not stop the talented actor from thriving. In 2013, the actor's representative told The Hollywood Reporter:

"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."

The actor was also able to make some adjustments in his life. He made appearances in various public ceremonies and events. Curry has also focused more on his voice acting since his stroke and has voiced projects like "Ben 10: Omniverse" and "Star Wars: The Clone Wars." 

The "Times Square'' actor was also given a lifetime achievement award at the 2015 Actors Fund Tony Awards. When he made an appearance at the show’s viewing party in Los Angeles, the TV icon shared health updates with Los Angeles Magazine while talking about the award ceremony. He shared:

"I’m doing well and I’m looking forward to it.” 

During the event, Curry expressed his gratitude: “It means that it just sort of solidifies the kind of work the American acting community has given me for years now." Curry also added that he was thrilled when he heard of the news about receiving an award.

Despite having to give up aspects of his career due to his health, Curry has not stopped showing up in the movie sphere. 

Isn't it heartwarming to see that Tim Curry has tried to stay active after his life-altering ailment? Do you recall some of your favorite moments of watching him on the big and small screens? Let us know, and be sure to pass this on to other Tim Curry fans.