Tony Todd, Prolific Actor Best Known for ‘Candyman,’ Dies at 69
By Shane
Published on November 10, 2024
Tony Todd, the actor who portrayed the terrifying Candyman in the horror movie franchise, has passed away at the age of 69. Todd died on Wednesday at his home in Marina del Rey, California. The cause of his death has not been disclosed, but it is known that he had been suffering from an illness for some time.
Todd's passing was confirmed by his talent agent, Dede Binder of the Defining Artist agency. Todd's manager, Jeffrey Goldberg, also announced his death in a statement.
Iconic Roles in Film and Television
Over his decades-long career, Todd amassed more than 100 film and television credits. He is best known for his role as Daniel Robitaille, also known as Candyman, a demon who is summoned by saying his name five times in front of a mirror. This role, based on a Clive Barker short story, solidified Todd's status as a horror icon. He reprised this role in the 2021 reboot of Candyman, directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Jordan Peele.
Besides Candyman, Todd's film credits include notable titles such as Final Destination, where he played the mysterious funeral-home owner William Bludworth, and Star Trek: The Next Generation, where he portrayed Kurn. Other significant roles include appearances in “The Crow”, “The Rock”, and Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning film “Platoon”.
Voice and Stage Work
Todd also enjoyed a robust career as a television and voice actor. He lent his voice to characters in series such as CW’s "The Flash" and the animated series Transformers Prime. His distinctive voice also brought to life the character of Venom in Insomniac’s PlayStation game Spider-Man 2.
A theater-trained actor, Todd frequently returned to the stage. He earned a master’s degree from the Trinity Repertory Company and studied at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center, where he also taught playwriting to high school students in Hartford.
Tributes and Legacy
Upon learning of his passing, co-star Virginia Madsen, who starred alongside Todd in the original Candyman film, paid tribute to him on Instagram, calling him “an angel” and a “great actor”.
His contributions to the horror genre and his influence on fans and colleagues alike ensure that Tony Todd's legacy will endure. His IMDb profile lists more than nine titles that have entered post-production, a testament to his prolific nature and dedication to his craft.
Tony Todd is survived by his two children, Alex and Ariana. The world will forever remember the chilling presence of the Candyman, and the diverse roles that made Tony Todd a revered name in the industry.