Tony Todd, star of 'Candyman' and 'Final Destination', dies at 69

American actor Tony Todd, who played the title role of the hook-wielding ghost in the horror film "Candyman," passed away on Wednesday at his Marina Del Rey, California, home. Jeffrey Goldberg, his agent, attested. He was 69 years old.

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

“Known worldwide for his towering presence, both physically and artistically, Tony leaves behind an indelible legacy in film, theater, and the hearts of those who had the honor of knowing him,” Goldberg’s management company said in announcing the death.

The cause of Todd's passing was not revealed.

Todd has been a consistent presence in genre cinema for forty years. His credits include classic films like Michael Bay's Alcatraz actioner "The Rock," Alex Proyas' comic book adaptation of "The Crow," and the intricate murder-set-piece serial "Final Destination."

Todd has well over 100 film and television credits, including a recurring part on "Boston Public" and cameos on "Law & Order," "Homicide: Life on the Street," "The X-Files," "Smallville," "Psych," and "24." He frequently voiced characters as well, most recently Venom in Insomniac's PlayStation blockbuster "Spider-Man 2," Zoom in The CW's "The Flash," and The Fallen in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Todd portrayed a threatening murderer with a hook on one arm in the 1992 film "Candyman," which was remade in 2021. The idea stems from an urban legend that Candyman lived in Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing complexes and could be called upon by reciting his name five times in front of a mirror. The film from 2021 examines issues in society like racism and police brutality.

After two years at the University of Connecticut, Todd transferred to the Eugene O'Neill National Theatre Institute. Todd was born in Washington on December 4, 1954.

Todd's two children, Alex and Ariana, as well as his wife, Fatima, survive him.