The Muppets have hailed Tim Curry as one of their own in a sweet tribute after the actor’s death.
Tim Curry has been declared an “honorary Muppet” after his death.
The beloved actor died aged 80 this week, leaving behind a rich legacy on the big screen including roles in the likes of Annie, Clue, The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Muppet Treasure Island.
Paying a sweet tribute to Curry, the official Muppets Instagram account wrote: “Few humans have earned the title of honorary Muppet more than the legendary Tim Curry.
“As a performer he was unparalleled – witty, charming, unnerving, and deeply funny.
“We will always consider it one of our greatest treasures to have been part of Long John Silver’s crew. Thank you for everything, Tim.”
Kiefer Sutherland, who worked with Curry in Disney’s 1993 movie The Three Musketeers, has also paid tribute.
He told Deadline: “Tim Curry was someone I cared deeply about, he was someone I loved working with and I am so lucky to have these memories… Rest in peace, my friend.”
Carol Burnett heaped praise on her Annie co-star, after they appeared in the 1982 musical as siblings Miss Hannigan and Rooster.
She wrote on Instagram: “We had such a wonderful time working together on Annie.
“Nobody could play lovable villains better than he could. He was a dear friend. I was blessed to know him.”
The news of Curry’s death came just one day after Dolly Parton died, and Josh Gad reflected on the passing of two icons.
He wrote on his Instagram Story: “Another day, another legend. Goodbye Tim. Thank you for your immense gifts. Ugh.”
Curry passed away late on Tuesday night (25.08.26) at his Los Angeles home, TMZ has reported.
had been in ill health after having a serious stroke in 2012.
As well as his role in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Curry’s other most famous performances came as Pennywise the Dancing Clown in the 1990 TV miniseries It, based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, and as pompous Plaza Hotel concierge Mr. Hector in Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, which saw Macaulay Culkin reprise his role as Kevin McCallister in the 1992 sequel to Christmas comedy Home Alone.
His theatre career saw him nominated for the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his roles on London’s West End as The Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance (1982) and King Arthur in Spamalot (2007).
His Broadway runs earned him three Tony Award nominations: his first for Best Actor in a Play for his role as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in Amadeus (1980), followed by two nominations for Best Featured Actor in a Play for My Favorite Year (1992) and Spamalot (2005).
In 2025, Curry released his memoir Vagabond.
At the end of last year, Curry opened up about his numerous health struggles after his stroke and also admitted he was “not scared” of dying.
Talking about his life after his stroke in 2012 – which left him unable to walk and reliant on a team of carers – during an appearance on CBS Sunday Morning, he said: “I don’t fear death. I try to avoid it. I think we all do, but I suspect that in the end, I will welcome it. I think it may be very comforting to go bye-bye, and I want to earn it.”
Tim Curry declared ‘honorary Muppet’ after his death aged 80
