“Be my victim. Be my victim.”
-Tony Todd in 1992’s “Candyman.”
Prolific actor Tony Todd passed away on Nov. 6 at his Marina del Rey home. He is survived by his wife, Fatima, and two adult children.
His IMDd resume includes a whopping 245 credits spanning virtually every genre, but Todd is best known for his star-making portrayal as the eponymous title character in 1992’s “Candyman.”
Born Anthony Tiran Todd in Washington, D.C., he grew up in Hartford, Conn. in a comparatively stable environment. Years later during a successful career built largely upon ominous portrayals, he reflected on this contrasting turn of events.
“…most of the roles I’ve gotten are grim, when I’m actually a very well-adjusted man and had a happy upbringing.”
This idyllic foundation included participation in the Boy Scouts, an experience he remembered fondly.
“It literally molded me and set me in the direction of public speaking, which led to acting,” he recalled.
As an only child he liked to watch scary movies on TV late at night, which led to a youthful pastime of role playing.
Beginning his education at the University of Connecticut, he continued theatrical training at repertory companies within the state. He remained passionate about stagecraft and the theater, making a point to act in plays throughout his professional life.
Beginning his career in earnest, he made ends meet as a schoolteacher for two years after completing his education. Gaining momentum via movie and television appearances, he got a boost when director Bernard Rose transposed Clive Barker’s short story “The Forbidden” from its exploration of class division in Liverpool, England into a Chicago-based horror tale involving America’s still unresolved anxiety about racial division and repression.
With his baritone voice and dark, menacing towering, stature Todd was the perfect ghoul as he menaced two privileged University of Chicago graduate students. The hapless duo invade the crime-ridden environs of the Cabrini Green housing projects where they are confronted by Todd’s vengeful apparition, who was stung to death by bees.
