In Memoriam: Tony Todd, actor best known as ‘Candyman’

Tony Todd, the actor who played the iconic role as the killer in classic horror film Candyman, has died.

He was 69.

Todd died on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at his Los Angeles home after a long illness, his wife, Fatima, confirmed in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter.

Tony Todd’s Acting Career

Born in Washington DC in 1954, Tony Todd appeared in hundreds of television shows and movies during his 40-year career.

One of his first roles was the heroin-addicted Sergeant Warren in the Oscar-winning war drama Platoon; he also appeared in 1996’s The Rock, played funeral home owner William Bludworth in the Final Destination franchise, Grange in 1994’s The Crow, and Tales From the Hood 3 in 2020.

On television Todd appeared in many series, including 24, Homicide: Life on the Street, The X-Files, 21 Jump Street, Night Court, MacGyver, Matlock, Law & Order, Beverly Hills 90210, Xena: Warrior Princess and Murder, She Wrote. He also played multiple roles in Star Trek, most prominently as the Klingon Kurn.

He also dabbled into voice acting such as the games Call of Duty and Half Life.

But Todd is most known for his iconic portrayal in the 1992 film Candyman. Todd played the titular hook-handed killer, who is summoned when someone repeats his name five times before a mirror. The horror classic explored racism and social class; Todd’s character Daniel Robitaille was lynched by a white mob on the spot where a public housing project is later built, which he haunts.

Todd reprised his role in Jordan Peele’s 2021 Candyman reboot.

Before his death, Todd had several roles in post production set to release in 2025.

Social justice advocate

The actor used his fame for fight against social issues, in gang outreach and putting on acting seminars for underprivileged kids. Of Candyman, he said: “I’ve done 200 movies, this is the one that stays in people’s minds. It affects people of all races. I’ve used it as an introductory tool in gang-intervention work: what frightens you? What horrible things have you experienced?”