(NEXSTAR) — Actor Tony Todd, best known for playing horror icon Candyman in the film series of the same name, has died at the age of 69, according to several outlets. The actor died at his home in California on Wednesday.
Todd leaves behind a wide-ranging and long-lasting entertainment career. The Washington, D.C.-born actor appeared in over 200 films and TV shows. Todd’s debut role was in 1986’s fantasy-drama “Sleepwalk,” which he followed up with roles in 80s hits like “Platoon” and “Lean on Me” before his breakout role in 1992’s “Candyman.” Todd reprised his role in three film sequels, including Nia DaCosta’s 2021 sequel of the same.
But his role as Candyman was especially important to Todd. In a 1995 profile, the actor told the Washington Post he felt a responsibility in the role, since, at that time, Candyman was the only Black horror icon.
“It’s a big responsibility, being the only one of anything in 1995,” said Todd. “But there are other types [of Black characters] I’d rather not be doing, and it’s better to do this than to be associated with a drug icon.”
The character — and Todd’s portrayal — is considered among the greatest in horror film history. Candyman placed ninth on both Bloody Disgusting‘s 10 Best Slasher Killer countdown and Fandango’s Top 10 Best Slasher Villains. Candyman also appeared on Rolling Stone’s 10 Best Horror Movie Villains list and in Comingsoon.net’s Top 10 Horror Movie Slashers.
In a short Friday night Instagram Reel, Todd’s “Candyman” co-star Virginia Madsen was visibly upset, explaining that she’d just heard the news about “my beloved Candyman,” but was too distressed to properly talk about it. She thanked fans for the kind wishes and said that she’d have more of a tribute to share soon.
But “Candyman” isn’t the only legendary horror series Todd was known for.
Todd appeared as the mysterious William Bludworth in the “Final Destination” series, appearing in three of its sequels. The character, who has also been called a horror icon, was earlier this year called the “best” character in the entire series. In her piece, “10 Best Final Destination Characters, Ranked,” Screen Rant‘s Kayla Turner writes: “His mysterious aura, combined with profound knowledge of Death and its forces, adds layers of complexity to the narrative.”
In a tribute post Friday, “Final Destination” star Devon Sawa wrote: “Tony Todd was a friend even through my darkest times. I’ll never forget that. RIP Broth Todd.”
In television, Todd made his debut in a 1987 episode of the CBS crime drama “Simon & Simon,” and his final role was a two-season run in the Netflix animated epic fantasy “Dota: Dragon’s Blood.” He appeared in countless well-known shows, including “Night Court,” “Law & Order,” “The X-Files,” “Angel,” “Charmed,” “The Young and the Restless,” and “Riverdale.” Todd was a cast member of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” in the role of Kurn, for three seasons.
The actor also found voice acting success in several video games starting in the late 1990s. Todd’s voice can be heard in several “Star Trek” games, 2023’s “Spider-Man 2” and both his voice and a motion capture character acting were featured in 2012’s “Call of Duty: Black Ops II.”
For his role as Venom in “Spider-Man 2,” Todd was nominated for a Performer in a Supporting Role award at the 2024 British Academy Video Games Awards.
Todd’s final film role will be a posthumous reprisal of his role as William Bludworth, in the upcoming sequel, “Final Destination: Bloodlines.”
He is survived by two children, Alex and Ariana.
