Tony Todd, recognized for his iconic horror role in “Candyman” and for his versatile acting career in film, television, and theater, passed away on November 6, 2024, at his Marina Del Rey, California residence. He was 69 years old.
With a career that spanned over four decades, Todd gathered more than 240 roles in film and television. At a towering 6 feet 5 inches, he brought an imposing presence to every role he played, whether it was in horror franchises, science fiction series, or stage productions.
Virginia Madsen, Todd’s co-actor in “Candyman,” shared a tribute on Instagram: ”The great actor Tony Todd has left us and now is an angel. As he was in life. More later but I can’t right now. I love you.”
Born and raised in Washington, D.C. and Hartford, Connecticut respectively, Todd sharpened his acting skills at the University of Connecticut and the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute. He remained committed to theater throughout his career, with a notable accomplishment being the original portrayal of the title character in August Wilson’s “King Hedley II.”
Todd first gained fame with his role as the supernatural murderer in 1992’s “Candyman.” He reprised this character in several sequels, including “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh,” “Candyman: Day of the Dead,” and a cameo in the 2021 remake. As the only Black horror icon of that era, Todd felt a sense of duty to portray the role.
Todd’s range as an actor extended beyond horror, featuring in films like “Platoon,” “The Rock,” and “The Crow.” Star Trek enthusiasts knew him as Kurn, a Klingon commander in multiple Star Trek series such as “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Deep Space Nine,” and “Voyager.”
His striking, deep voice made Todd a popular choice for voice acting in video games and animated series. His voice work in “Spider-Man 2” led to a nomination for a British Academy Video Games Award.
Despite often playing menacing characters on-screen, Todd was remembered by colleagues for his hearty laughter and generous nature. He was a mentor for budding actors and advocated for a more inclusive film industry.
Todd continued his acting career up until his death. His final appearance will be as William Bludworth in “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” scheduled for a 2025 release. He is survived by his two children, Alex and Ariana.