Nov
Tony Todd, ‘Candyman’ and ‘Final Destination’ Star, Dies at 69
Tony Todd, the versatile actor renowned for his roles in Candyman and Final Destination, has passed away at the age of 69.
Todd died at his home in Los Angeles on November 6, confirmed his manager, Jeffrey Goldberg. “It is with great sadness that I confirm the passing of my dear friend and client of over 30 years, Tony Todd,” Goldberg said in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “What an incredible man, and I will miss him every single day.”
Nia DaCosta, who directed Todd in the 2021 Candyman sequel, shared her grief in a heartfelt tribute: “Tony was an incredibly warm, generous, and thoughtful person, who was so passionate about his work, especially embodying Candyman,” DaCosta said. “It was an honor to work with him, even briefly, and a memory I’ll always cherish. We’ve lost an icon, far too soon, but like any true icon, his legacy will live on.”
Colman Domingo, who starred alongside Todd in Candyman (2021), posted a tribute on Instagram, sharing a photo of Todd with the caption, “Thank you, Candyman.”
Director Alex Proyas, who worked with Todd on The Crow, wrote on Facebook: “Vale Tony Todd — heartbreaking — such a beautiful soul.”
Born in Washington, D.C., in December 1954 and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Todd was a skilled performer with a deep commitment to his craft. He honed his acting abilities at the University of Connecticut, the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute, and other prestigious institutions, eventually landing a spot with the Trinity Repertory Company.
Todd’s breakthrough came in Oliver Stone’s 1986 film Platoon, where he portrayed a sergeant. The war drama, which won the Academy Award for Best Picture, also starred Charlie Sheen, Keith David, and Willem Dafoe. Todd’s work in Platoon marked the beginning of a long and varied career, which included collaborations with Forest Whitaker in Clint Eastwood’s 1988 jazz biopic Bird and the 1990 TV movie Criminal Justice.
In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Todd appeared in TV series such as 21 Jump Street and MacGyver, as well as supporting roles in films like Lean on Me (1989). His first major leading role came in 1990, when he starred in the remake of Night of the Living Dead. Over the next decade, Todd became a familiar face on TV, with notable guest spots on Star Trek: The Next Generation, The X-Files, Beverly Hills, 90210, and Deep Space Nine, as well as a memorable role in The Crow (1994).
However, it was Todd’s portrayal of the titular character in the 1992 horror classic Candyman that solidified his place in pop culture. Based on a short story by Clive Barker, Todd’s chilling portrayal of the vengeful spirit, complete with a hook for a hand and a terrifying voice, made Candyman a horror icon. Todd reprised the role in Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995), Candyman: Day of the Dead (1999), and again in the 2021 Candyman, directed by Nia DaCosta and produced by Jordan Peele.
Todd also earned lasting recognition for his role in the Final Destination series, where he portrayed the mysterious mortician William Bludworth, offering cryptic insights into the characters’ fates. Todd appeared in multiple Final Destination films, including Final Destination 2 (2003) and Final Destination 5 (2011), and had completed filming on the upcoming Final Destination: Bloodlines, set for release in 2024.
Throughout the 2000s, Todd’s prolific career continued with recurring roles on 24 and guest appearances on Riverdale, Charmed, and Boston Public. He also showcased his vocal talents in animated projects and video games, including Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Young Justice, Transformers Prime, and Spider-Man 2 for the PlayStation 5.
Tony Todd’s passing marks the end of an era for horror fans and film enthusiasts alike. A respected actor whose voice and presence left a lasting imprint on both the silver screen and popular culture, he will be remembered as one of Hollywood’s most distinctive talents.
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