Actor Camden Toy, widely recognized for his portrayal of eerie supernatural characters in the series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and its spin-off “Angel,” died on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the age of 68.
Toy’s death, following a two-year private struggle with pancreatic cancer, was confirmed through his official Facebook page.
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Toy embarked on his acting career in New York City before settling in Los Angeles.
He gained prominence on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” appearing in several memorable roles that showcased his versatility and talent in embodying sinister characters. Toy’s standout performances included the silent, haunting Gentleman in the Emmy-nominated episode “Hush” of “Buffy’s” fourth season, the skin-eating demon Gnarl in the seventh season’s “Same Time, Same Place,” and a primordial Turok-Han vampire.
In “Angel,” Toy continued to captivate audiences with his portrayal of the ancient Nosferatu-like vampire, The Prince of Lies, in the World War II-themed flashbacks of the show’s fifth season. His contributions to the horror and fantasy genres extended beyond these series. He was a regular on “Goodnight Burbank” and played Igor Chambers in the Peacock web series “The Bay.” Toy’s film career was equally prolific, with his most recent appearance in “Average Joe” in 2019.
Toy’s partner, Bea Henderson, shared insights into his battle with cancer on Facebook, revealing his diagnosis in February of the previous year after experiencing months of unexplained pain. Despite initial optimism for a longer life, his condition significantly worsened in the final months.
Fellow actor and Guillermo del Toro collaborator Doug Jones, who worked alongside Toy as one of the Gentlemen on “Buffy,” expressed deep sorrow over Toy’s passing. Jones fondly remembered Toy for his joyful, smiley nature, talent, and warmth, describing him as always accessible to friends and fans alike.
Toy’s passing has elicited heartfelt tributes from colleagues and fans, reflecting on his impact both on and off-screen. His performances, particularly in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” remain iconic in the horror and fantasy television landscape, leaving a lasting legacy in the genre.
