Renowned actor Tony Todd, widely recognized for his performances in “Candyman” and “Final Destination,” has passed away, confirmed by his manager. He was 69.
Jeffrey Goldberg, Todd’s longtime manager, announced the news of his death in a statement to YSL News on Saturday.
“I appreciate your interest in a statement about my dear friend and client of 30 years, Tony Todd,” Goldberg mentioned. “Tony was a remarkable individual, and I will miss him every single day.”
According to Goldberg, Todd passed away on Wednesday at his residence in Marina Del Rey, California, at approximately 11:50 p.m.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Famous for roles in ‘Candyman,’ ‘Final Destination’
Todd is best known for his performance in the horror classic “Candyman,” which debuted in 1992. That year, he received a nomination for best actor at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, as recorded by IMDb.
He also featured in subsequent installments of the “Candyman” series, released in 1995, 1999, and most recently in 2021.
In a 2019 interview with the Guardian, Todd shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes detail from the “Candyman” film.
“I arranged for a bonus of $1,000 for each bee sting I endured during the scene,” Todd recounted to the Guardian. “I was stung 23 times. Anything worthwhile requires some degree of suffering. Once I understood that this was critical to Candyman’s identity, I embraced the experience. It felt like donning a beautiful coat.”
Reflecting on his performance, Todd regarded this character as one of his most significant roles.
“I’ve acted in 200 films, but this is the one that lingers in people’s memories,” he stated. “It resonates with audiences of all backgrounds.”
On Friday, New Line Cinema announced Todd’s passing through an Instagram post.
“The industry has lost a legend,” the message noted. “We have lost a beloved friend. Rest in peace, Tony.”
New Line Cinema was responsible for distributing the “Final Destination” franchise, where Todd appeared multiple times as William Bludworth.
Tony Todd began his journey in DC, Connecticut
According to Todd’s profile on a film and television database, further insights into his 40-year cinematic journey are provided.
“Tony Todd was born in Washington, D.C., and studied on a scholarship at the University of Connecticut for two years. This led to a scholarship from the esteemed Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute,” IMDb notes. “This experience laid the groundwork for his intense studies at the Hartman Conservatory in Stamford, Connecticut, and the Trinity Square Repertory Theatre Conservatory in Providence, Rhode Island.”
While in Connecticut, Todd also taught playwriting to high school students in the Hartford Public School system, as mentioned by IMDb.
‘A true legend’: Remembering Tony Todd
Fans and social media users shared their respects for the actor.
“One time, Tony Todd interrupted me to say my eyes looked like honey, and I want everyone to know that being complimented by Candyman made me feel invincible,” wrote a user on X. “Rest in peace to an absolute legend.”
“Tonight I plan to call Candyman 3 times in my bathroom mirror with the lights off!! RIP Tony Todd,” another user on X shared.
Blumhouse, a prominent production company, remarked that Todd’s death is a significant loss for the horror film community.
Fangoria, a magazine dedicated to horror films, also released a statement regarding Todd’s passing.
“Everyone at Fango is heartbroken by the loss of the great Tony Todd,” the post stated. “Gone too soon. Rest in peace, sir.”
This article has been updated to reflect additional details.
