‘Candyman’ and ‘Final Destination’ actor Tony Todd dies at 69

'Candyman' and 'Final Destination' actor Tony Todd dies at 69

As a movie enthusiast with a penchant for horror and a deep respect for acting talent, I must express my profound sadness at the loss of Tony Todd, a true cinematic titan who left an indelible mark on the genre and beyond. Having grown up watching his chilling portrayal of the menacing Candyman, I was captivated by his ability to bring such a terrifying character to life while also infusing him with a sense of humanity that made him all the more haunting.


Legendary actor Tony Todd, famed for his chilling performance as the menacing character in the horror movie “Candyman” and numerous other films and TV series, passed away at the age of 69. This news was confirmed by his lifelong manager.

On Wednesday, Todd passed away at his residence located in the Greater Los Angeles region, as confirmed by manager Jeffrey Goldberg in a statement shared with the Associated Press.

Goldberg shared, “For more than three decades, I was fortunate enough to call Tony both my friend and client. His absence is a daily reminder of an extraordinary individual whom I deeply admired.

Across the globe, Tony was admired for his impressive stature, not just physically but also artistically. His passing leaves an unforgettable impact on cinema, theater, and those fortunate enough to have known him personally,” as stated by Goldberg’s management company in their announcement of his demise.

Tony Todd, a colossal figure in cinema who touched many hearts, has taken his leave. The imprint he left on our lives and the movie world will live forever in our memories.

On Todd’s acting portfolio, there were notable appearances in critically acclaimed films like “Platoon,” a masterpiece directed by Oliver Stone and launched in 1986. His performance in the 1998 drama “Driven” also received recognition for his leading role.

Apart from being recognized for his work, Todd was famously associated with appearing in the 2000 horror movie “Final Destination” and its follow-up in 2003. Over the weekend, the film production company New Line Cinema expressed their sorrow over Todd’s passing on social media platforms.

Our industry mourns the loss of an icon,” the company posted on Instagram. “We’ve lost a valued companion. Farewell, Tony. May you rest in peace.

In the 1992 film “Candyman,” Todd portrayed a chilling antagonist, a man with a hook for an arm whose hand had been severed by thugs, who then covered him in honey and set loose bees to kill him. The story revolves around an urban legend that claimed Candyman haunted the Cabrini-Green housing projects of Chicago, appearing when his name was invoked five times while looking into a mirror. The 2021 remake delves into contemporary issues like racism and excessive police force.

1992 saw Todd disclosing to The Times that he created a special device for his mouth, capable of housing around 200 active bees during filming. He also revealed using a hypnotist’s help to achieve a trance-like state. In the same conversation, Todd acknowledged his grandmother as the source of his deep-seated affection for literature.

In the wake of Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking film “Get Out,” I, as a movie reviewer, have observed an exciting evolution in Black horror cinema. It’s refreshing to see Black artists stepping into the spotlight, crafting stories from a unique, authentic perspective. As Todd put it to The Times in 2019, “Things are changing, roles are changing.

Todd’s television career included roles in “Night Court,” “Matlock” and “Law & Order.”

In his private life, Tony was deeply respected as both a mentor and a friend, known for his warmth and intelligence, according to Goldberg’s company. He generously shared his time and finances with emerging actors, often championing for more diversity and truth in the entertainment business.

The company shared that those who knew him would recall his heartwarming laughter, selfless nature, and unwavering commitment to his work. In every performance, whether live or on-screen, Tony displayed an undeniable sincerity that touched the lives of his friends, family, and admirers.

Martin writes for the Associated Press.

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2024-11-10 01:31

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