Tim Curry, 69, made a rare public appearance at a Tony Awards viewing party last night. Three years ago he suffered a stroke in his home, which he was forced to sell, and even though wheel-chair bound, looked in good spirits and said he was ‘doing well’. He was honored with The Actors Fund Lifetime Achievement Award and showed his still-great sense of humor, joking about the fund assisting funeral costs, saying:

“I’ve done a few benefits for the Actors Fund and I think it’s a marvelous organization. I hope not to have to use it.”

He’s used his humor to help him through his current situation and when asked how important it was for him, he said:

“Vital. Absolutely vital. It’s not tough to maintain. It is just part of my DNA.”

His speech has been affected and he was speaking slowly. Speaking prior to the event about receiving the award for his stage work, he said:

“It means that it just sort of solidifies the kind of work the American acting community has given me for years now. “It’s very gracious of them, I think. I was thrilled when they told me and I am thrilled now.”

(Photos, Splash/ Getty; via The Mirror)