Tim Curry says his skull was ‘smashed in’ during emergency surgery after 2012 stroke

Tim Curry’s life dramatically changed after he suffered a stroke in 2012, which left him partially paralyzed. He kept the incident private for nearly a year, unsure if he would survive. In his new memoir, Vagabond, Curry shares harrowing details about the stroke and the emergency surgery that saved his life.

Curry revealed that the stroke occurred during a massage. Feeling “a little out of sorts,” his massage therapist insisted on calling 911, despite Curry’s protests. He later credited the therapist with saving his life by trusting their instincts.

At the hospital, Curry underwent a critical emergency craniectomy. The surgery was so intense that surgeons had to remove a portion of his skull and implant it into his abdomen to prevent further brain damage. Curry described the procedure as life-saving but far from guaranteed to succeed.

Following surgery, Curry had to wear a protective helmet as his brain was exposed, a necessity that allowed him privacy while he recovered. He acknowledged that it was a lot to process but emphasized the importance of rest and healing during that period.

Curry, now 79, reflected on the gravity of the stroke, noting that two blood clots were removed from his brain. He expressed astonishment at having survived such a life-threatening event.

Looking back over a dozen years later, Curry writes that he can reflect calmly on the experience, with a “healthy dose of disassociation,” appreciating the sheer improbability of surviving such a critical incident.

Fans of the Rocky Horror Picture Show star can celebrate Curry’s resilience and survival. His memoir offers an intimate look at his journey through near-death, recovery, and continued dedication to his craft despite life-altering challenges.