Tony Todd, ‘Candyman’ actor, dies at 69: ‘Absolute legend’

Award-winning actor Tony Todd, best known for his roles in “Candyman” and “Final Destination,” has died, his manager confirmed. He was 69.
Todd’s longtime manager Jeffrey Goldberg confirmed the actor’s death in a statement to USA TODAY Saturday.
“Thank you for your interest in having a statement from me about my dear friend and client of 30 years, Tony Todd,” Goldberg wrote. “Tony was an amazing man, and I will miss him every single day.”
Goldberg said Todd died on Wednesday at his home in Marina Del Rey, California, around 11:50 p.m.
Goldberg did not reveal the actor’s cause of death.
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Todd is famous for his role in the horror film series “Candyman.” The first movie was released in 1992 and that same year, Todd was nominated for the best actor award at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, IMDb said.  
He also starred in the other movies in the series, which were released in 1995, 1999, and, most recently, 2021.
In a 2019 interview with the Guardian, Todd talked about the “Candyman” film revealing a detail that the audience might not be aware of.  
“I negotiated a bonus of $1,000 for every sting during the bee scene,” Todd told the Guardian. “And I got stung 23 times. Everything that’s worth making has to involve some sort of pain. Once I realized it was an important part of who Candyman was, I embraced it. It was like putting on a beautiful coat.”
Speaking about his iconic performance in the film, Todd told the Guardian that this is one of his most memorable roles.  
“I’ve done 200 movies, this is the one that stays in people’s minds,” he said. “It affects people of all races.”
On Friday, New Line Cinema posted the news of Todd’s death on Instagram.  
“The industry has lost a legend,” the post reads. “We have lost a cherished friend. Rest in peace, Tony.”
New Line Cinema distributed the “Final Destination” film series, in which Todd had several reoccurring roles as William Bludworth.  
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In Todd’s biography on the film and television database, the website shares more details about the actor’s 40-year career on the big screen.  
“Born in Washington, D.C., Todd spent two years on a scholarship at the University of Connecticut, which, in turn, led to a scholarship from the renowned Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute,” IMDb wrote on its website. “It proved to be the foundation for intense stints at the Hartman Conservatory in Stamford, Connecticut and the Trinity Square Repertory Theatre Conservatory in Providence, Rhode Island.”
During his time in Connecticut, Todd taught playwriting to high school students that were enrolled in the Hartford Public School system, IMDb said.  
Social media users also paid tribute to the star.  
“Tony Todd once stopped me mid-sentence to tell me my eyes were the color of honey and I need you all to know that getting complimented by Candyman is the closest I’ve ever felt to feeling invincible,” a X user wrote. “RIP to an absolute legend.”
“Tonight … I will call Candyman 3 times in front of my mirror at the bathroom with light turned off!! RIP Tony Todd,” another X user wrote.
Blumhouse, a well-known production company, noted that Todd’s death was a loss for the horror film genre.
Fangoria, an American horror film fan magazine, also posted about the news of the actor’s death.  
“Everyone at Fango is heartbroken to learn of the passing of the great Tony Todd,” the post reads. “Gone too soon. Rest well, sir.”
This story has been updated to add new information.
Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, food recalls, health, lottery, and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.