'Horror Icon Tony Todd, Known for “Candyman, ” Passes Away at 69'

Tony Todd, the veteran actor who scared audiences as the menacing Candyman in the horror franchise, has sadly passed away at the age of 69. The news was confirmed by his talent agent, Dede Binder, but no further details were provided. Todd made his mark in the film industry with his chilling portrayal of Daniel Robitaille in the 1992 original "Candyman" movie, which was based on a Clive Barker short story. He reprised his role in the 2021 reboot directed by Nia DaCosta. Todd's acting career spanned over four decades, starting with a role in the Oscar-winning movie "Platoon" by Oliver Stone. He also starred in films like "Bird, " "Lean on Me, " and "The Rock. " However, it was the horror genre where Todd left a lasting impact. Besides "Candyman, " Todd was known for his roles in "Final Destination, " "Night of the Living Dead, " "The Crow, " and "Hatchet. " In 2020, Todd spoke openly about his status as Black horror royalty. He didn't mind the label, emphasizing that he simply wanted to be a good actor. Horror fans, he noted, are fiercely loyal, which allowed for many personal appearances and celebrations of a genre that is often overlooked but deeply loved. Todd's versatility extended to television as well. He appeared in shows like "Scream: The TV Series, " "Chuck, " "24, " and "The Young and the Restless. " Additionally, he was part of the "Star Trek" universe and lent his voice to projects like "The Flash" and "Transformers Prime. " With a background in theater, Todd continued to perform on stage between his screen and voice work. He graduated from the Trinity Repertory Company and studied at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center.