On November 6, 2024, Tony Todd, the esteemed actor famed for his role as the horror icon in “Candyman,” passed away at his residence in Marina Del Rey, California. He was 69 years old. Todd’s acting career spanned over four decades, and he was known for his roles in film, television, and theater.
During his prolific career, Todd amassed more than 240 film and television credits. With a towering height of 6 feet 5 inches, he brought a commanding presence to each role, navigating effortlessly through different genres such as horror, science fiction, and stage plays.
Virginia Madsen, Todd’s co-star in “Candyman,” shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, stating: ”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 in Washington, D.C., and brought up in Hartford, Connecticut, Todd honed his acting skills at the University of Connecticut and the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute. He remained devoted to theater throughout his career, with notable roles including the title character in August Wilson’s “King Hedley II.”
Todd’s most memorable role was 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 made a cameo in the 2021 reboot. The role held unique importance for Todd as he felt obliged to portray the solitary Black horror icon of that era.
Apart from horror, Todd’s versatility extended to notable roles in “Platoon,” “The Rock,” and “The Crow.” He was also recognized by science fiction aficionados for his portrayal of Kurn, a Klingon commander in multiple Star Trek series, such as “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Deep Space Nine,” and “Voyager.”
With his deep, captivating voice, Todd was a popular choice for voice acting in video games and animated series. His voice work in “Spider-Man 2” earned him a nomination for a British Academy Video Games Award.
Despite his formidable on-screen characters, Todd was remembered by colleagues for his warm laughter and generous nature. He mentored budding actors and advocated for increased diversity in the film industry.
Todd continued acting till recently. His last role will be a posthumous portrayal of William Bludworth in “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” set to release in 2025. He is survived by his two children, Alex and Ariana.
