Tim Curry Reflects on His Stroke Experience and Personal Journey
In a candid interview with Ben Mankiewicz on CBS Sunday Morning, legendary actor Tim Curry opened up about the stroke he suffered in 2012, revealing that he was completely unaware of any health issues until a masseuse urged him to seek medical assistance. Known for his unforgettable performances in classics like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clue, Annie, It, and Home Alone 2, Curry shared the shocking details of that day.
“It was such a strange experience,” Curry recalled. “I was getting a massage, and the therapist expressed concern, saying, ‘I’m worried about you. I think we should call a doctor.’ I felt perfectly fine and had no symptoms.” Upon arriving at the hospital, he learned he had indeed suffered a stroke, which triggered memories of his father, who had passed away from a stroke when Curry was just 10 years old. “I was scared,” he admitted, recognizing the potential parallels between his condition and his father’s fate.
Following his diagnosis, Curry underwent brain surgery and extensive rehabilitation. “I had to relearn how to speak, which was a very surreal experience. I hated being unable to communicate,” he shared. Additionally, he faced challenges with paralysis on the left side of his face. “My face kind of went sideways,” he joked.
Reflecting on his iconic role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the flamboyant character from The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Curry expressed pride in the positive impact the role had on others. “Frank had a lot of power. He gave many teenagers the permission to embrace their uniqueness, and I’m very grateful for that.”
Curry also discussed his new memoir, Vagabond, emphasizing that it isn’t a tell-all. “I believe in keeping some things private,” he explained. “One of my guiding principles is to avoid defining oneself by any singular identity. I’ve always tried to protect that.”
He opened up about his mother, whom he believes had bipolar disorder, describing her as having frequent mood swings and being sometimes unkind. “Despite my success, she didn’t celebrate it. She was worried it might inflate my ego. She preferred I stayed under the radar, but I never did care about that,” he reflected.
Tim Curry, now 79, embraces life with a sense of humor and resilience. He doesn’t dwell on sadness, attributing this attitude to his mother’s influence. “I don’t have much admiration for self-pity. I often think, ‘Why should we pity you?’” he laughed.
When it comes to the topic of mortality, Curry is unafraid. “I don’t fear death; I try to avoid it, like everyone else,” he chuckled. “But I suspect that when the time comes, I may welcome it. I think it could be very comforting to say goodbye, and I want to earn that.”
Tim Curry’s journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, continues to inspire many, reminding us of the importance of resilience and embracing who we are.
