BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
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Actor Tony Todd has died at the age of 69.
Known best for his haunting portrayal of Candyman, Todd passed away Wednesday night at his Los Angeles home.
Todd’s journey as Candyman began in 1992, when he brought the ghostly character with a hook for a life hand, forever linked to the legend that dared audiences to say his name five times in front of a mirror. The role, one that Todd reprised through sequels in 1995 and 1999, saw a revival in 2021 when he returned to the role for a new film that brought the character full circle.
In the horror classic, Todd portrayed Daniel Robitaille, a 19th-century Black artist turned vengeful spirit, whose tragic tale and wrath against societal injustice fueled his character’s chilling presence.
The 1992 film follows a graduate student in Chicago who accidentally summons Candyman, leading to a spree of terror. Todd’s chilling performance wasn’t without sacrifice; in the famous bee scene, he endured 23 stings, reportedly earning $1,000 for each sting. “Everything worth making has to involve some sort of pain,” he told The Guardian in 2019.
Todd’s influence extended far beyond horror fans. In a heartfelt tribute, Virginia Madsen, his co-star as Helen Lyle, honored Todd as “an angel” and “a truly poetic man” with a profound passion for the arts. “I will miss him so much,” Madsen reflected. “I hope he haunts me once in a while—but I won’t be summoning him in the mirror!”
Beyond the Candyman series, Todd’s career spanned over 40 years, with roles in films like Transformers and Final Destination, as well as a significant presence on stage and TV. His work resonated deeply with audiences across generations, crossing racial and cultural boundaries. “I’ve done 200 movies; this is the one that stays in people’s minds,” he noted, underscoring how Candyman became more than just a character, serving as a symbol in his work with gang intervention programs.
In a 2020 interview, Todd spoke fondly of the latest Candyman, directed by Nia DaCosta, calling it “brilliant” and lauding DaCosta’s appreciation for body horror. Madsen also expressed gratitude to co-writer Jordan Peele for giving her and Todd the opportunity “to live again as lovers” through the reboot.
