Tony Todd, ‘Candyman’ and ‘Final Destination’ actor acclaimed for his horror roles, dies at 69

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Veteran actor Tony Todd, known for his roles in films such as 'Candyman' and 'Final Destination', died at 69 at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday, November 6, according to Deadline.

The late actor's wife, Fatima, confirmed the news of his demise after battling a long illness, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The actor had more than 240 movie and TV credits in a career spanning over 40 years.

Tony Todd's early life and career

Tony Todd was born on December 4, 1954, in Washington, DC, and pursued acting at the Eugene O’Neill National Actors Theatre Institute and Trinity Rep Conservatory.

In his initial screen roles, he played the heroin-addicted Sergeant Warren in Oliver Stone’s Best Picture Oscar-winning Vietnam War classic 'Platoon', per Deadline.

He was also part of popular 1980s and '90s series such as '21 Jump Street', 'Night Court', 'MacGyver', 'Matlock', 'Jake and the Fatman', 'Law & Order', 'The X-Files', 'NYPD Blue', and 'Beverly Hills 90210'.

Todd starred in the 1990 remake 'Night of the Living Dead' as Ben. His next big role was playing the mythical title creep with a hook for a hand in 'Candyman' (1992), a character he reprised in the 2021 sequel of the same name, per the outlet.

He also played several horror roles throughout his 40-year-long career. One of the most famous roles was playing funeral home owner William Bludworth in 'Final Destination' and its multiple sequels. He also gave voice for Venom in 'Spider-Man 2: Symbiotic Relationships'.

During an interview with Deadline in 2022, Todd said, "You gotta have audience sympathy for the character in some way or another. There’s gotta be something attractive about the character that makes people want to root for them but at the same time feel repulsed by the idea. And for me personally, for every film that I do, I create a backstory for all my tortured people and my heroes alike."

Besides his wife, Todd is survived by his two children, Alex and Ariana.

Fans pay tribute to 'absolute legend' Tony Todd

Several social media users paid tribute to the late actor after he passed away at age 69 after battling a long illness.

A user wrote on X, "RIP Tony Todd. An absolute legend", while one added, "Just found out the passing of Tony Todd who played Captain Darrow in 1996's The Rock. My hearts go out to the family and friends."

A person stated, "R.I.P. to the legend Tony Todd... "Be my Victim" ~ Candyman", whereas another mentioned, "Commanding the screen while squaring up against the likes of Ed Harris and a murderers row of prime character actors, one of the many great feats in an illustrious career. RIP Tony Todd."

New Line Cinema, producers of the 'Final Destination' franchise, wrote on Instagram, "The industry has lost a legend. We have lost a cherished friend. Rest in peace, Tony, -Your Final Destination Family."

A user also wrote, "RIP Tony Todd You were great. Condolences to his family, friends and many fans."

One commented, "First time I saw Tony Todd in Night of the Living Dead was on Monster Vision! Been one of my favorite horror films ever since. #RIP."

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