‘Candyman’ actor Tony Todd dies at 69

Legendary horror actor Tony Todd, famed for roles in ‘Candyman’ and ‘Final Destination,’ dies at 69.

Tony Todd, the actor celebrated for his chilling roles in horror films, passed away on November 6 in Los Angeles at 69. 

Known widely for portraying the hook-handed killer in ‘Candyman’ and for recurring roles in the ‘Final Destination’ series, Todd's career spanned more than 240 screen credits over 40 years. His representatives confirmed his death to Deadline, though no cause was disclosed.

Born in Washington, D.C., on December 4, 1954, Todd trained in acting at the Eugene O’Neill National Actors Theatre Institute and Trinity Rep Conservatory, developing a commanding on-screen presence.

Todd's career began with notable roles, including Sergeant Warren in the Oscar-winning ‘Platoon’. Todd then became a fixture in 1980s and '90s television, with guest appearances on series like ‘21 Jump Street’, ‘The X-Files’, ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’, and ‘NYPD Blue’. He also had recurring roles, including Gus Rogan on ‘The Young and the Restless’.

Todd’s career-defining role came in 1992 with ‘Candyman’, where he played Daniel Robitaille, a vengeful ghost rooted in a tragic past, a role he reprised in the 2021 sequel directed by Nia DaCosta. His portrayal was both feared and memorable, leading him to similar roles in horror, including William Bludworth in ‘Final Destination’. Todd explained his approach in a 2022 Deadline interview, emphasizing the importance of creating backstories for his characters to blend sympathy with horror.

Throughout the 21st century, Todd continued to act in film, television, and video games, with roles in ‘Chuck’, ‘Dead of Summer’, and ‘Scream’. As a voice actor, he contributed to ‘Transformers Prime’ and ‘Call of Duty’.