Tony Todd, “Candyman” horror icon also known for “Platoon” and “Star Trek,” dies at age 69

Tony Todd, the “Candyman” star who appeared in more than 240 films and television shows, died on November 6th. He was 69 years old.

The actor's representatives confirmed news of his death to TheWrap; No information about the cause has been released.

Todd played the killer in Candyman and the film's sequel, but the actor's prolific career included storylines in The Young and the Restless and 24, as well as episodes of Hawaii Five-0 and Xena: Warrior Princess. . ” and “Young Justice.”

Todd also appeared in several Star Trek series, including The Next Generation, Voyager and Deep Space Nine. In the Star Trek series, he is best known for portraying the Klingon Kurn, brother of Worf (Michael Dorn).

In an interview with Whoosh! from 1998 Todd said Star Trek was “the first show that gave me access to the fan world, so I'm always grateful to them.” He also admitted that he wasn't happy with the direction his career had taken was dissatisfied even though he “didn’t wake up one day and try to become part of the science fiction/fantasy universe.”

Todd also enjoyed a successful career on stage after training at Trinity Rep Conservatory in Providence, Rhode Island. He told the outlet that he plans to do one play a year. “It's honest work. It’s more direct and interactive,” he explained. “It’s just real. In contrast to television, where you basically have to rehearse alone, you have a six-week rehearsal period. On TV you just show up and do it. In theater you learn to invest more time in the material before you show up on set.”

The actor's big break came when he was cast in Oliver Stone's 1986 Vietnam War film Platoon. In 2020, he told The Guardian that it was difficult for any of his stars to make the film. “I won't name names,” Todd said, “but I've seen grown men cry.” The film also starred Charlie Sheen, Johnny Depp, Forest Whitaker and Willem Dafoe.

Todd reiterated that his background in theater helped him land the role of Sergeant Warren. He said Stone “wanted real faces.” Johnny Got His Gun at a Hell's Kitchen.

More to come…