Tony Todd, the formidable actor whose roles in Candyman and Final Destination made him a horror legend, has passed away at 69. His wife, Fatima, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that he died at his Marina del Rey home on November 6 following a long illness.
Born on December 4, 1954, in Washington, D.C., Todd pursued acting with determination, studying at the University of Connecticut before earning a scholarship to the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute. This foundation set the stage for an illustrious career spanning theatre and film. After additional training at the Hartman Conservatory and the Trinity Repertory Company, Todd embarked on a career that would see him amass over 200 film and television credits.
Todd’s breakthrough came in 1992 with Candyman, where he played the vengeful spirit Daniel Robitaille. This role, reprised in Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995) and cameoed in Nia DaCosta’s 2021 sequel, solidified his status in horror. Reflecting on his portrayal, Todd shared with Deadline in a 2022 interview, “There’s gotta be something attractive about the character that makes people want to root for them but at the same time feel repulsed by the idea. And for me personally, for every film that I do, I create a backstory for all my tortured people and my heroes alike.”
New Line Cinema, the studio behind the Final Destination franchise, where Todd portrayed the eerie funeral director William Bludworth, paid homage on social media. “The industry has lost a legend. We have lost a cherished friend. Rest in peace, Tony, -Your Final Destination Family,” the company wrote.
Todd’s extensive work spanned beyond horror. He appeared in Platoon (1986), Night of the Living Dead (1990), and The Crow (1994), as well as popular television series such as Star Trek: The Next Generation, The X-Files, and The Young and the Restless. Known for his deep, resonant voice, he also lent his talents to voice acting, with credits in Transformers Prime, Be Cool, Scooby-Doo!, and the Call of Duty video game series.
Virginia Madsen, his Candyman co-star, paid an emotional tribute on Instagram. “My beloved. May you rest in power, sweet to the sweet in heaven,” she wrote. “The great actor Tony Todd has left us and now is an angel. As he was in life. Tony was larger than life, both on and off the screen, and his spirit was as warm as his laugh. I loved him deeply.” In a video, Madsen struggled to put her loss into words, saying, “I just, just found out about Tony. I don’t know what to say right now… More later, but I can’t right now. I love you.”
Despite his towering screen presence, Todd was known for his generosity and kindness, qualities cherished by those who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Fatima, and his children, Alex and Ariana, along with a legacy that will continue to resonate with fans and peers alike. Todd’s last works, including his role in The Bunker, are yet to be released, ensuring that his powerful presence will be felt by audiences once more.
