Tony Todd, Star of ‘Candyman’ Film Series and Decades of Other Film and TV Roles, Dies at 69

On November 9, 2024By Littum

Actor Tony Todd, known for his roles in the horror film “Candyman” and its 2021 sequel, died Wednesday, his representative, Jeffrey Goldberg, told CBS News. He was 69.

“Sadly, I can confirm that my friend and client of over 30 years, Tony Todd, passed away peacefully at his home in Marina Del Rey on Wednesday, November 6, 2024 at 11:50 p.m.,” Goldberg said. “I am lucky to have been able to work with this amazing man and I will miss him every single day.”

Todd’s cause of death was not released.

For four decades, Todd’s roles spanned genres, with film credits starting in 1986, per IMDB. They range from his role in the Oscar-winning film “Platoon” to “Final Destination”.

Todd is perhaps best known for playing Daniel Robitaille in the 1992 film “Candyman” and its 2021 sequel. Todd’s character was the ghost of a black artist and the son of a slave who was killed for his relationship with a white woman. The film also starred Virginia Madsen as a graduate student in Chicago who was preparing a thesis on the legend of the Candyman.

Todd reprized his role in the 2021 sequel, starring Yahya Abdul-Mateen as an artist drawn into the Candyman legend.

Madsen wrote a tribute post to Todd on Instagram, saying: “The great actor Tony Todd has left us and is now an angel. As he was in life. More later, but I can’t right now. I love you.”

New Line Cinema, which produced the “Final Destination” franchise, as well submitted on Instagram about Todd’s death.

“The industry has lost a legend. We have lost a dear friend. Rest in peace Tony,” the post read.

Todd was born on December 4, 1954 in Washington, DC. He pursued acting at the Eugene O’Neill National Theater Institute and the Trinity Repertory Conservatory, according to Deadline.

He went on to guest star in popular television shows and sitcoms of the 1980s and 1990s, including “Night Court,” “Matlock” and “Law & Order.”

According to The Hollywood ReporterTodd is survived by his wife, Fatima, and two children.