The world has lost a master of horror. Tony Todd, best known for his chilling role in Candyman in the original film and its sequels, died on November 6. He was 69.
With his deep, resonant voice and imposing presence, Todd racked up an extensive list of more than 240 film and TV credits, including acclaimed works like Platoon and Spider-Man 2. A defining personality in horror cinema, his enduring legacy will become a testament to his talent and dedication to the craft, and his iconic performances will leave a mark for future generations to enjoy the scare.
Here are three of his most memorable roles in the horror genre. Don’t watch alone.
Candyman (1992)
In his most recognizable role, Todd played the Candyman, a terrifying urban legend brought to life. Haunting the housing projects of Chicago’s Cabrini-Green, this hook-handed killer’s backstory explored our nation’s evil past of enslavement, making the actor’s portrayal soulful and terrifying. Todd embodied the spirit of this vengeful entity, returning to the role on numerous occasions, including its most recent resurrection, Candyman, in 2021.
Night of the Living Dead (1990)
In a remake of the classic horror film, Todd plays Ben, a man fighting off a zombie apocalypse while bunkering down in an abandoned farmhouse with other survivors. Through his strong and nuanced performance, Todd provided a grounded and empathetic presence to the chaos and horror surrounding him.
Final Destination (2000)
Todd stars as William Bludworth, a mysterious coroner who reveals that when one disturbs the natural order of Death’s plan, the grim reaper will come a-knocking in the most gruesome ways. Todd’s performance is calm and collected, masking his more sinister intentions, making him an unforgettable screen pleasure.
