Tony Todd, star of Candyman and Final Destination, Dies at 69

Tony Todd, the actor renowned for his chilling portrayal of the iconic killer in Candyman and its 2021 sequel, has passed away at the age of 69. Todd died on November 6 at his home in Los Angeles, according to a report from Deadline. His representative confirmed the news, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.

Born on December 4, 1954, in Washington, D.C., Todd was an influential figure in the horror genre, with a career spanning decades. He began his acting journey at the Eugene O'Neill National Actors Theatre Institute and the Trinity Rep Conservatory, before breaking into both television and film.

Todd’s most memorable role came in 1992, when he portrayed the haunting figure of Candyman, the vengeful spirit with a hook for a hand, in the iconic horror film directed by Bernard Rose. His portrayal of the supernatural killer earned him critical acclaim and a lasting legacy in the genre. His performance in Candyman also led to a Lifetime Achievement Award at the New York City Horror Film Festival, recognizing his contributions to horror cinema.

He reprised the role of Candyman in the 2021 sequel, Candyman, which was directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, and DaCosta. This supernatural horror film served as a direct continuation of the 1992 original, making Todd’s character once again a central figure in the eerie story. The Candyman series, based on Clive Barker's The Forbidden, remains one of the most influential in modern horror.

In addition to his work in Candyman, Tony Todd was also known for his appearances in the Final Destination franchise, where he portrayed the ominous character William Bludworth, a mortician who seems to have an uncanny knowledge of death's inevitable reach. He was also part of the ensemble in Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1986), adding to his diverse filmography.

Beyond his film career, Todd appeared in a wide array of popular TV series, including 21 Jump Street, Night Court, MacGyver, Matlock, Law & Order, The X-Files, Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Xena: Warrior Princess, Beverly Hills 90210, and Murder, She Wrote, among others.

Todd’s career also included a notable role as Ben in the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead, where he delivered a powerful performance in the beloved zombie film. His voice work extended into video games, where he lent his talents to various projects, continuing to build his diverse body of work throughout the 21st century.

Tony Todd’s death marks the loss of a beloved figure in both horror and popular culture, and his contributions to film, television, and beyond will continue to resonate with fans for generations to come.