Los Angeles, Nov 10, (V7N) – Tony Todd, the award-winning actor best known for his chilling portrayal of the title character in the Candyman film series, has passed away at the age of 69. His death was confirmed by his longtime manager, Jeffrey Goldberg, on Saturday. Todd died on Wednesday at his home in Marina Del Rey, California, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.

Goldberg, who had worked with Todd for over 30 years, shared an emotional statement remembering the actor. “Tony was an amazing man, and I will miss him every single day,” Goldberg said. “He was a dear friend and client, and we had a deep bond.”

Todd's career spanned over four decades, during which he became a beloved figure in the horror film genre. His portrayal of Candyman in the 1992 film of the same name is one of his most iconic roles. Todd's performance as the vengeful spirit with a hook for a hand has remained etched in the minds of fans for years. The film, directed by Bernard Rose, earned Todd critical acclaim and a nomination for Best Actor at the Fangoria Chainsaw Awards.

In 2019, Todd reflected on his Candyman role in an interview with The Guardian, revealing a behind-the-scenes detail that fans may not have known: “I negotiated a bonus of $1,000 for every sting during the bee scene,” Todd said, recalling the intense physical toll of being stung 23 times while filming. "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."

Todd also reprised his role in the Candyman franchise over the years, appearing in sequels released in 1995, 1999, and most recently in 2021. The 2021 film, produced by Jordan Peele, brought new life to the Candyman character and further cemented Todd’s legacy within the horror genre.

Alongside Candyman, Todd is well-known for his recurring role as William Bludworth in the Final Destination series. The films, which focus on death’s inevitable pursuit of a group of survivors, became a cult favorite, and Todd’s character added a sense of mystique and gravitas to the franchise.

Fans and fellow industry professionals have paid tribute to Todd across social media platforms. New Line Cinema, which distributed the Final Destination films, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram: "The industry has lost a legend. We have lost a cherished friend. Rest in peace, Tony." Blumhouse Productions, the studio behind many popular horror films, also mourned Todd’s death, calling it a significant loss for the genre.

Born in Washington, D.C., Todd’s career began with a scholarship to the University of Connecticut, which opened the door to further training at the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute and prestigious theater conservatories. His early work included stints at the Hartman Conservatory in Connecticut and the Trinity Square Repertory Theatre Conservatory in Rhode Island. Todd’s acting talents were not limited to the screen; he also taught playwriting to high school students in Hartford.

Tributes to Todd have poured in from fans who remember his larger-than-life presence both on and off the screen. One fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “Tony Todd once stopped me mid-sentence to tell me my eyes were the color of honey... getting complimented by Candyman was the closest I’ve ever felt to being invincible.” Another fan shared their plans to honor the actor by calling “Candyman” three times in front of a mirror, a tribute to one of his most famous scenes.

The horror world has lost a true icon, and Tony Todd’s legacy will continue to live on through his memorable performances and lasting impact on the genre.

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