Tony Todd, a celebrated actor with a remarkable career spanning over three decades, has passed away at the age of 69. He died on Wednesday at his residence in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his manager, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a statement released on Saturday morning. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
With an impressive filmography that includes more than 100 credits across film and television, Mr. Todd’s talents knew no bounds. He captivated audiences in various genres, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Some of his notable film appearances included iconic works such as the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead, The Crow, The Rock, and the acclaimed Vietnam War film Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone. In addition to his film roles, Todd’s television career was equally distinguished, featuring performances in cult classics such as Star Trek: The Next Generation, 24, and The X-Files.
Perhaps most famously, Tony Todd is remembered for his haunting portrayal of the titular character in the groundbreaking horror film Candyman, released in 1992. In an interview with The New York Times in 2020, he expressed immense pride in embodying this chilling figure—a Black man wronged in life, who returns from the grave when summoned by those who dare to invoke his name five times while gazing into a mirror. This act unleashes a wave of terror as the Candyman exacts revenge on those who disturb his rest. Todd remarked, “If I had never done another horror film, I could live with that, and I’d carry this character.”
Tony Todd reprised his role in the sequels released in 1995 and 1999, and he made a triumphant return in the 2021 reboot, which was directed by Nia DaCosta and featured a screenplay by Jordan Peele.
In the Final Destination film series, Mr. Todd portrayed the enigmatic funeral-home owner, William Bludworth. This character stood out in a franchise known for its unique premise of killing off new characters by the time the credits rolled, making Todd’s role one of the rare recurring elements that fans came to appreciate.
Through his extensive body of work, Tony Todd leaves behind a legacy that will resonate with both horror aficionados and general audiences alike.