Tony Todd, known for his memorable role as the titular character in Candyman and a prolific career spanning over 240 movies and TV shows, passed away on November 6 at the age of 69. The actor’s representative confirmed the news, though the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Todd’s career was marked by versatility, with roles across horror, science fiction, and drama. While Candyman cemented his place as a horror icon, Todd was also recognized for his work in Star Trek: The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager, where he portrayed notable characters such as the Klingon Kurn, Worf’s brother. Reflecting on his role in the franchise, Todd once shared, “Star Trek was the first show that gave me access to the fan world, so I’m always grateful to them.”
A classically trained actor from the Trinity Rep Conservatory, Todd credited his theater background with helping him land his first major film role as Sergeant Warren in Platoon, directed by Oliver Stone. In later years, Todd remained active in theater, sharing that he aimed to do one play per year to stay grounded in his craft.
His haunting portrayal in Candyman was built around a complex, tragic backstory, which he approached as a “gothic character,” likening him to The Phantom of the Opera. Todd explained, “I compare him to Phantom because he’s a misunderstood character searching for love.”
Todd’s additional film credits include The Rock, The Crow, Final Destination, and numerous acclaimed Broadway and off-Broadway productions. His contributions to the arts extended across genres, with unforgettable performances that left a lasting impact on fans worldwide.
Born on December 4, 1954, in Washington, D.C., and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Todd studied at the University of Connecticut and trained at the Eugene O’Neill National Actors Theatre Institute. He is survived by his children, Alex and Ariana.
