Tim Curry spoke openly about not fearing death in his final televised interview.
The “Rocky Horror Picture Show” legend, 80, sat down with “CBS Sunday Morning” in October 2025 for a segment that aired before his death Tuesday evening. In the wide-ranging conversation, the British actor addressed his mortality with characteristic wit and candor.
“It would be very comforting to go bye bye,” Curry said during the broadcast interview. He laughed as he expanded on the thought, adding, “I want to earn it. I want to earn the privilege of not being here. … I think I might very well embrace it.”
The actor was careful to qualify his acceptance of death, making clear he was not seeking it out. He clarified that he “tried to avoid” death and was “not galloping toward it.”
Curry’s reflections came during a period of significant health challenges for the performer. The interview marked one of his final public appearances and offered viewers a rare window into his mindset during his later years.
The “CBS Sunday Morning” conversation also touched on the 2012 stroke that dramatically altered Curry’s life and career. The medical emergency left him with lasting physical effects and required extensive rehabilitation, including relearning how to speak. Curry previously shared that his skull was “smashed in” during emergency surgery performed to save his life following the stroke.
Despite these hardships, Curry maintained an active presence in entertainment circles, frequently appearing at fan conventions and “Rocky Horror Picture Show” anniversary events where he remained beloved by generations of viewers. His Dr. Frank-N-Furter performance in the 1975 cult classic had cemented his status as a pop culture icon long before his health struggles.
The actor’s death was reported Wednesday, with news breaking that he passed away the previous evening. Tributes from co-stars, fans, and fellow performers quickly followed across social media platforms as word spread.
Curry’s career spanned more than five decades and included memorable turns in “Clue,” “IT,” “Legend,” and the animated series “The Wild Thornberrys,” where he voiced the villainous Nigel Thornberry. His stage work earned him Tony Award nominations for “Amadeus,” “My Favorite Year,” and “Spamalot.”
The October 2025 interview now stands as Curry’s final extended on-camera conversation, capturing the perspective of a performer who had faced mortality directly and found a measure of peace with it.