Tony Todd, the legendary actor best known for his roles in Candyman and Final Destination, died on Wednesday at the age of 69. Todd died at his home in Marina del Rey after a long illness, according to his wife Fatima, who shared. News with The Hollywood Reporter.
New Line Cinema, the studio behind the Final Destination series, paid tribute to Todd on Instagram, saying, “The industry has lost a legend. We have lost a dear friend. Rest in peace, Tony. -Your final destination family.”
Born on December 4, 1954 in Washington, DC, Tony Todd developed a passion for acting that led him to an illustrious career spanning decades. He studied at the University of Connecticut for two years before earning a scholarship to the Eugene O’Neill National Theater Institute.
This education provided him with a strong foundation which he furthered at the Hartman Conservatory in Stamford, Connecticut and the Trinity Repertory Company in Providence, Rhode Island.
Todd made his film debut in 1986 with Sleepwalk, which launched a career with over 200 credits in films and television. His portrayal of the haunting title character in 1992’s Candyman became one of his most iconic roles. He reprized the character in the 1995 sequel, Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh, and the 2021 reboot, solidifying his status as a horror legend.
In the Final Destination franchise, Todd played William Bloodworth, a mysterious man linked to the Design of Death. He appeared in Final Destination (2000), Final Destination 2 (2003), and Final Destination 5 (2011).
Tony Todd’s versatility extends beyond horror. He appeared in the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead and had roles in The Rock (1996), The Crow (1994), Hatchet (2006) and The Man from Earth (2007).
Todd also left his mark on television. He played Worf’s brother Kurn in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. He appeared as Alpha Hirogen in Star Trek: Voyager. Most recently, he lent his voice to The Flash as the villain Zoom.
Todd remained active even at the end of his career. His IMDb profile lists over nine projects in post-production, including the 2024 film The Bunker.
Todd’s colleagues praised his dedication to his art. Changing the Game director Rill Dowdell said, “Tony was a skilled actor who was a true chameleon; He prepared for each role with utmost care. He was truly a one of a kind person.”
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