Tim Curry Opens Up: Health Update 13 Years After Stroke

Tim Curry Opens Up About Life-Changing Stroke, 13 Years On

The one and only Tim Curry is speaking out about his life-altering health scare, and it's a story of resilience, wit, and a healthy dose of sarcasm. The 79-year-old Rocky Horror Picture Show legend took to the stage at LA's Academy Museum for a special screening celebrating the musical film's 50th anniversary.

As he settled into his "silly chair," Curry couldn't help but poke fun at his own limitations. "I still can't walk, which is why I'm stuck in this chair," he quipped, "and that's very limiting, trust me." The actor, who suffered a debilitating stroke 13 years ago, has been largely out of the public eye since the incident left him partially paralyzed on one side of his body and affected his speech.

But Curry's not letting his health issues get him down. In fact, he's using them as an opportunity to share some laughs and behind-the-scenes stories from his illustrious career. "I was having a massage at the time," he recalled of the stroke, "and I didn't even notice anything was wrong. But the guy doing the massage said, 'I'm worried about you, I want to call an ambulance.' And I said, 'That's so silly.'"

It's clear that Curry has learned to roll with the punches – or rather, the punches he can manage from his chair. When asked about his current mobility issues, he chuckled and said, "So, I won't be singing and dancing anytime soon. But I still have real problems with my left leg."

The stroke, which occurred when Curry was just 66 years old, has had a lasting impact on the actor's life. According to the Mayo Clinic, an ischemic stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is blocked or reduced, causing brain cells to die in minutes. Another type of stroke, hemorrhagic, occurs when a blood vessel in the brain leaks or bursts, increasing pressure on brain cells and causing damage.

Despite his health issues, Curry remains the embodiment of the iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the mad scientist with a penchant for drama and a flair for the theatrical. He first donned the character's elaborate costumes in the original 1973 London production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and reprised the role on Broadway before starring in the 1975 film that catapulted him to international fame.

As he reflected on the film's enduring impact, Curry couldn't help but crack a smile. "I'm so excited by this and very honored by the Academy to do this presentation of our movie, which has dragged on for 50 years." He continued, "It's amazing how something that started as a small, cult phenomenon has become such a staple of popular culture."

But Curry's career didn't start or end with The Rocky Horror Picture Show. He went on to star in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, playing the stuffy and suspicious Mr. Hector, a role that showcased his versatility as an actor. Although he didn't receive top billing, his character remains one of the most memorable from the sequel.

In recent years, Curry has been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry with The Actors Fund Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 at the Tony Awards Viewing Party in Los Angeles. He's a true legend in every sense of the word, and his wit and charm continue to captivate audiences to this day.

When asked about the film's success, Curry confessed that he still looks at it with "a sort of bemused tolerance." "It's neither a blessing nor a curse," he explained. "I was lucky to get it." He recalled the opening night of the Broadway production as "very exciting" but found the harsh reviews from critics to be "cruel."

The infamous reviews described his performance as "a mixture of Joan Crawford and Burt Lancaster" and "Mick Jagger, David Bowie, and Marc Bolan all in one." It's a testament to Curry's talent that he was able to take such criticism in stride.

As the evening drew to a close, Curry took one final opportunity to poke fun at himself. "I may not be able to walk or sing," he said with a grin, "but I'm still going strong – and still making you laugh."