Tony Todd, the actor most famous for his chilling portrayal of the Candyman in the iconic horror series, has passed away at the age of 69. He died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, according to reports.
Todd’s career-defining role came in 1992 when he took on the part of the Candyman, a vengeful spirit with a hook for a hand who is summoned by repeating his name five times in front of a mirror. His performance as the ghostly figure, Daniel Robitaille—who was lynched in the 19th century—left an indelible mark on horror cinema.
Todd returned to the role in multiple sequels, including Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995), Candyman: Day of the Dead (1999), and most recently in 2021’s Candyman, a direct sequel to the original that reintroduced his character to a new generation.
While the Candyman franchise was his standout role, Todd had an extensive career spanning over four decades. He appeared in a wide variety of films, television shows, and stage productions. He was also known for his roles in popular franchises like Transformers and Final Destination.
In the Candyman films, Todd’s character is not just a killer but a symbol of racial injustice. The character’s tragic backstory as an artist wrongfully murdered by a mob, paired with his vengeful return, struck a chord with audiences.
Todd famously recalled a difficult scene in the 1992 film where his character is covered in bees. During filming, he was stung 23 times, and he humorously noted that he received a $1,000 bonus for each sting. “Everything that’s worth making has to involve some sort of pain,” he said in a 2019 interview with The Guardian.
Despite his vast body of work, Todd’s portrayal of Candyman remained the role that resonated most with audiences. He once said in an interview that the character’s impact went beyond just horror fans, touching people from all walks of life.
“It affects people of all races,” he explained. “I’ve used it as an introductory tool in gang-intervention work: what frightens you? What horrible things have you experienced?”
Tony Todd’s legacy will live on through his unforgettable performances, particularly as the haunting, tragic Candyman.
Virginia Madsen, who starred alongside Tony Todd as student Helen Lyle in Candyman, has shared a heartfelt tribute following his passing. Reflecting on their time together, Madsen described Todd as “an angel now, as he was in life.” She remembered him as a “truly poetic man” with a “deep knowledge of the arts,” adding that she would miss him deeply.
“I hope he haunts me once in a while,” she joked, “but I will not summon him in the mirror!” Her words were filled with warmth and admiration for her late co-star, whose presence in the Candyman franchise left a lasting impact.
Todd’s portrayal of the titular character made an unforgettable mark, and Madsen wasn’t alone in honoring his legacy.
His role in Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995), which brought the story to New Orleans, saw his character once again taking center stage, this time encountering a descendant of his daughter.
The third film in the series, Candyman: Day of the Dead (1999), set in Los Angeles, also featured Todd’s return, cementing his place as the haunting spirit at the heart of the series.
