Tony Todd, the commanding presence behind the iconic horror character in “Candyman” and versatile actor known for roles across film, television, and theater, died November 6, 2024, at his home in Marina Del Rey, California. He was 69.
Throughout a career spanning more than 40 years, Todd accumulated over 240 film and television credits, establishing himself as a powerhouse performer in multiple genres. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches tall, he brought gravitas to every role, from horror franchises to science fiction series and stage productions.
Todd’s co-star in “Candyman,” Virginia Madsen, wrote a tribute post to him 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 in Washington, D.C., and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Todd honed his craft at the University of Connecticut and the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute. His dedication to theater remained constant throughout his career, with notable achievements including originating the title role in August Wilson’s “King Hedley II.”
Todd’s breakthrough role came as the supernatural killer in 1992’s “Candyman,” a character he would portray in multiple sequels, including “Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh,” “Candyman: Day of the Dead,” and most recently, a cameo in the 2021 revival. The role held special significance as Todd felt a responsibility to portray the only Black horror icon at the time.
His versatility extended beyond horror, with memorable appearances in “Platoon,” “The Rock,” and “The Crow.” Science fiction fans recognized him as Kurn, a Klingon commander in multiple Star Trek series, including “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” “Deep Space Nine,” and “Voyager.”
Todd’s rich, resonant voice made him a sought-after voice actor in video games and animated series. His voice work in “Spider-Man 2” earned him a British Academy Video Games Award nomination.
Despite his imposing physical presence and often menacing on-screen characters, colleagues remembered Todd for his warm laugh and generous spirit. He mentored aspiring actors and advocated for greater representation in the film industry.
Todd continued working until recently, and his final role will be a posthumous appearance as William Bludworth in “Final Destination: Bloodlines,” scheduled for release in 2025. He is survived by his two children, Alex and Ariana.
