Tony Todd, star of Candyman, dies at the age of 69

Tony Todd, the legendary actor best known for his portrayal of the titular killer in the horror classic Candyman, has died at the age of 69. His wife, Fatima, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter on Friday, revealing that Todd passed away on Wednesday at their home in Los Angeles after a long illness.

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A Storied Career in Film and Television

Born in Washington DC in 1954, Todd's career spanned over four decades, leaving a significant mark on both film and television. Early on, he starred as Sergeant Warren in Oliver Stone's Platoon, an Oscar-winning war drama. His career continued to flourish with roles in notable films such as The Rock (1996), where he starred alongside Nicolas Cage, and The Crow (1994), where he played Grange.

Todd also became synonymous with the Final Destination franchise, where he portrayed the funeral home owner William Bludworth, a role he reprised in multiple sequels. His diverse acting career included appearances in a wide range of TV shows, including 24, The X-Files, MacGyver, Law & Order, and Xena: Warrior Princess.

Tony Todd's Legacy in Candyman and Beyond

Tony Todd’s most iconic role was as the hook-handed killer, Daniel Robitaille, in Candyman (1992). The horror film, which explored themes of racism and social class, cemented Todd as a horror legend. His character, summoned by repeating his name five times before a mirror, became a chilling figure in pop culture. Todd revealed that he earned an extra $1,000 each time he was stung by bees during the film's notorious scenes, an ordeal he endured 23 times.

In 2021, Todd reprised his role in Jordan Peele's Candyman reboot, continuing his lasting impact on the horror genre.

Voice Acting and Social Work Contributions

Aside from his acting career, Todd was a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to video games such as Call of Duty and Half-Life, as well as voicing Venom in Spider-Man 2 and a villain in Transformers: Rise of the Fallen.

Todd was also deeply involved in social causes, particularly in gang outreach and providing acting seminars for underprivileged youth. He often used his role in Candyman as a tool for gang-intervention work, encouraging young people to confront their fears and personal struggles.

Industry Tributes

The loss of Tony Todd has been felt across the entertainment industry. New Line Cinema, the studio behind Final Destination, paid tribute to Todd, saying, "The industry has lost a legend. We have lost a cherished friend. Rest in peace, Tony, your Final Destination family."

Tony Todd’s legacy in the film industry and his contributions to social causes will be remembered for years to come.

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