‘Candyman’ actor dies aged 69

by Junna Base November 9, 2024

The film industry is mourning the loss of award-winning actor Tony Todd.

In a statement to USA TODAY, Jeffrey Goldberg, Todd’s longtime manager, confirmed the actor’s death.

“Thank you for your interest in hearing from me about my dear friend and client of 30 years, Tony Todd,” Goldberg wrote. “Tony was a great man and I will miss him every day.”

Goldberg also stated that Todd died on November 6th at his home in Marina Del Rey, California. He said Todd died around 11:50 p.m

Todd was 69 years old.

Todd was known for roles in Candyman, Final Destination

Todd is famous for his role in the horror film series Candyman. The first film was released in 1992 and that same year, Todd was nominated for the Best Actor award at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, according to IMDb.

He also starred in the other films in the series, released in 1995, 1999 and most recently in 2021.

In a 2019 interview with the Guardian, Todd spoke about how the Candyman film revealed a detail that audiences may not have been aware of.

“I negotiated a $1,000 bonus for every sting during the bee scene,” Todd told the Guardian. “And I got stung 23 times. Anything worth doing must involve some kind of pain. When I realized it was an important part of Candyman, I embraced it. It was like putting on a beautiful coat.”

Speaking about his iconic performance in the film, Todd told the Guardian that it was one of his most memorable roles.

“I’ve done 200 films, this one sticks in people’s minds,” he said. “It affects people of all races.”

On November 8th, New Line Cinema posted the news of Todd’s death on Instagram.

“The industry has lost a legend,” the post says. “We have lost a valued friend. Rest in peace, Tony.”

New Line Cinema distributed the Final Destination film series, in which Todd had several recurring roles as William Bludworth.

Tony Todd’s beginnings began in DC, Connecticut

In Todd’s biography on the Film and TV Database, the site shares more details about the actor’s 40-year career on the big screen.

“Born in Washington, D.C., Todd spent two years on scholarship at the University of Connecticut, which in turn led to a fellowship at the prestigious Eugene O’Neill National Theater Institute,” IMDb wrote on its website. “It proved to be the basis for intensive residencies at the Hartman Conservatory in Stamford, Connecticut and the Trinity Square Repertory Theater Conservatory in Providence, Rhode Island.”

While in Connecticut, Todd taught playwriting to high school students enrolled in the Hartford Public School system, IMDb said.

“‘Absolute Legend’: Remembering Tony Todd”

Social media users also paid tribute to the star.

“Tony Todd once stopped me mid-sentence to tell me that my eyes were the color of honey, and I want you all to know that a compliment from Candyman is as close as I’ll ever get to feeling invincible never,” one X user wrote. “RIP to an absolute legend.”

“Good morning,” another X user wrote. “Tonight… I’m going to call Candyman three times in front of my bathroom mirror with the lights off!! RIP Tony Todd.

Blumhouse, a well-known production company, noted that Todd’s death was a loss for the horror film genre.

Fangoria, an American horror film fan magazine, also reported the news of the actor’s death.

“Everyone at Fango is heartbroken to learn of the passing of the great Tony Todd,” the post reads. “Gone way too soon. Rest well, sir.”

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on USA TODAY’s National Trending Team. Ahjané covers breaking news, auto recalls, crime, food recalls, health, lottery and public policy stories. Send her an email at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

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