Tony Todd, ‘Candyman’ and ‘Final Destination’ Star, Dies at 69 Leave a comment

Tony Todd, celebrated American actor best known for his iconic role in the Candyman horror series, passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Marina Del Rey, California, at the age of 69. The news of his death was confirmed by his representative, though no cause has been disclosed.

Throughout his career, Todd was a formidable presence in the horror and action genres, appearing in classic films like The Crow, The Rock, and the Final Destination series. His acting career began in his early thirties with a notable role in Oliver Stone’s Academy Award-winning film Platoon. He also appeared as Kurn, a Klingon commander and the brother of Worf, in Star Trek: The Next Generation, showcasing his versatility across genres.

However, Todd’s most unforgettable role was in Bernard Rose’s Candyman, a 1992 film inspired by a Clive Barker short story. Standing 6’5″, Todd brought the character of Daniel Robitaille, or Candyman, to life—a haunted, bee-covered specter of an artist wronged by racial injustice. The movie starred Virginia Madsen, who portrayed a graduate student researching the urban legend of Candyman in Chicago. Reflecting on Todd’s passing, Madsen posted a tribute on Instagram, calling him a “beloved” friend and “angel,” expressing her deep affection and grief.

Candyman premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness section, and, though controversial for its portrayal of race and urban issues, it has since been appreciated for tackling important social themes within the horror genre. Todd reprised his role as Candyman in several sequels, including Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh in 1995 and Candyman: Day of the Dead in 1999. In 2021, he returned in the franchise’s latest installment, directed by Nia DaCosta and co-written by Jordan Peele. This modern adaptation starred Yahya Abdul-Mateen II as an artist drawn into the eerie legacy of Candyman.

Born on December 4, 1954, in Washington, D.C., Todd attended the University of Connecticut before furthering his studies at the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute. His stage career flourished, with standout performances like the title role in August Wilson’s King Hedley II, earning high praise.

Across his extensive career, Todd appeared in over 200 film and television credits, including roles on shows like Boston Public, Law & Order, The X-Files, and 24. He also became a sought-after voice actor, portraying characters such as The Fallen in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Zoom in The Flash, and Venom in the PlayStation game Spider-Man 2. His role in the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead and recurring part in Final Destination further cemented his place in horror history.

Even in recent years, Todd remained active, frequently appearing in indie and direct-to-video projects. His IMDb profile lists over nine completed or upcoming projects still awaiting release.

Todd leaves behind his two children, Alex and Ariana, who will carry forward his remarkable legacy.