Tony Todd, the acclaimed American actor known for his iconic role in the Candyman horror franchise, passed away on Wednesday night at his home in Marina Del Rey, Los Angeles, at the age of 69. His representative, Jeffrey Goldberg, confirmed his death from natural causes.
Todd’s career spanned over four decades, and he became a revered figure in the horror genre. Born in Washington, DC, in 1954 and raised in Connecticut, Todd was taken in by his aunt at a young age due to personal issues within his family. His aunt, who nurtured his interest in acting, enrolled him in drama classes during the summers, setting him on a path that led him to study drama at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center. One of his first significant movie roles came in Oliver Stone’s acclaimed war film Platoon (1986), in which he appeared alongside a stellar cast including Charlie Sheen, Willem Defoe, and Forest Whitaker. Reflecting on his casting, Todd later explained that Stone sought actors with genuine, relatable backgrounds, a quality that Todd, with his theatre experience, embodied.
In 1990, Todd starred as Ben in the remake of Night of the Living Dead, a role that endeared him to horror fans worldwide. However, it was his portrayal of the titular character in Candyman (1992) that cemented his place as a horror legend. In the film, Todd’s character was a vengeful spirit with a gruesome hook for a hand, called forth when his name was said five times in front of a mirror. The role brought him instant fame, and he returned to the franchise for two sequels, Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995) and Candyman: Day of the Dead (1999). His final appearance as Candyman came in a 2021 film co-written by Jordan Peele, reinforcing his lasting influence on the franchise.
Beyond Candyman, Todd contributed to other renowned franchises, including the Final Destination series, where he portrayed the enigmatic funeral director William Bludworth. He appeared in Final Destination (2000), Final Destination 2 (2003), and Final Destination 5 (2011) and was reportedly set to reprise the role in the upcoming Final Destination: Bloodlines. Todd’s deep, commanding voice also brought characters to life in animated features and video games, including Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and Call of Duty: Black Ops II. His presence on television was notable, especially his recurring role as Commander Kurn on Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, among other roles in the franchise.
Despite his success in film and television, Todd always considered theater his first love. Over the years, he performed in various plays, including King Hedley II by August Wilson and Elton John’s musical Aida. "In an ideal world, I'd just do theatre," he once stated, acknowledging the financial challenges associated with a theater-focused career.
Upon learning of his death, Virginia Madsen, his co-star in Candyman, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, remembering him as a cherished friend and talented actor.
