Tony Todd, the acclaimed horror actor best known for his terrifying role as the hook-handed villain in Candyman, has passed away at age 69. His manager, Jeffrey Goldberg, confirmed Todd’s death, stating, “I will miss him every single day.” Todd reportedly died of natural causes at his Los Angeles home.
Todd’s portrayal of Candyman in the 1992 original and subsequent sequels solidified his legacy in horror, while his other roles across 240 films and TV shows showcased his versatility. In addition to Candyman, he appeared in Final Destination, The Crow, and The Rock, and lent his distinctive voice to Transformers and Call of Duty. His co-star from Candyman, Virginia Madsen, paid tribute, calling him “sweet to the sweet” in an emotional Instagram post.
Born in Washington, D.C., Todd began his career with breakout roles in the 1980s and ’90s, including Oliver Stone’s Platoon. In horror, he became iconic not only for Candyman but also as the mysterious Bludworth in the Final Destination series. Todd continued to work into his final years, with several projects still awaiting release.
Todd leaves behind a powerful legacy as a genre-defining horror actor and a beloved presence in the entertainment world, remembered by fans and colleagues alike for his dedication, talent, and distinctive presence onscreen.