(sitting in a dimly lit room, surrounded by candles, dressed in a sharp suit, with a hint of a mocking grin) Ah, Tony Todd, the man, the myth, the Candyman. Or should I say, the Candyman, the Final Destination, the Night of the Living Dead, the… (pauses for comedic effect) Well, you get the idea. The man had a career spanning decades, and what a legacy he’s left behind.
Now, I’m not one to get all teary-eyed, but even I have to admit, the chap had some serious chops. I mean, who else can make a character as ridiculous as Candyman sound menacing and deeply unsettling? (in a deep, ominous voice) “Candyman, Candyman, Candyman, Candyman…” (back to normal voice) You know, I’ve tried that at parties, and it never ends well. (chuckles)
But seriously, Tony Todd’s performances in these iconic horror films are a testament to his talent. I mean, he made a career out of playing creepy, otherworldly characters, and yet, he always brought a certain level of depth to them. He wasn’t just a prop, a mere monster; he was a presence. (smirks) A bit like my presence on stage, actually.
Now, let’s talk about Candyman, the 1992 film that launched his career into the stratosphere. You know, it’s interesting, the film explores themes of racism, urban legends, and the power of myth. And yet, it’s still a horror film at its core. A film that will make you think twice about saying that name five times in front of a mirror. (winks) Unless you want to invite a 6-foot-5-inch, hook-handed monster to your party. In which case, go for it.
And then, of course, there’s Final Destination. Ah, the franchise that made us all realize that death is not just an accident, but an entity that’s just waiting to pounce on us all. (laughs) Cheerful stuff, isn’t it? Tony Todd’s performance as William Bludworth is, as always, spot on. He’s like the grim reaper, but with a better wardrobe. (smirks)
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Night of the Living Dead? Isn’t that just a remake of the classic?” Ah, but this one’s different, folks. This one stars Tony Todd, and that’s all the difference you need. (smirks) I mean, who needs George Romero when you have Tony Todd, am I right?
And finally, we have Hatchet, a slasher film that’s all about excess, gore, and well, more gore. (laughs) I mean, it’s not exactly high-brow cinema, but it’s a fun, mindless romp. And Tony Todd’s performance as Reverend Zombie is, as always, top-notch. (chuckles) I mean, who wouldn’t want to play a character named Reverend Zombie?
All in all, Tony Todd’s legacy is a testament to his talent, his presence, and his ability to make us all feel uncomfortable in our seats. (smirks) And that, my friends, is the mark of a true horror legend. So here’s to Tony Todd, the man who brought us so much terror, so much suspense, and so much… well, Candyman. (winks)
from rowan atkinson)
(in a bumbling, awkward tone) Oh, hello there, it’s me, Rowan Atkinson, and I’m here to talk about Tony Todd. (pauses) Oh, dear, I’m not quite sure where to begin. You see, Tony Todd was a bit of an iconic figure in the world of horror, wasn’t he? (nervously chuckles) I mean, who can forget that… that… (stammers) Oh, you know, the Candyman fellow?
Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Rowan, what’s the connection between you and Tony Todd?” Well, (nervously laughs) I’m not quite sure, to be honest. I mean, we’re both in the entertainment business, of course, but (pauses) Ah, yes, I have it! We both have a bit of a dark side, don’t we? (nervously winks) I mean, have you seen my Mr. Bean antics? (chuckles) Oh, dear, I’m a regular little horror show, aren’t I?
But, um, Tony Todd, yes… (clears throat) Well, he was a bit of a serious fellow, wasn’t he? I mean, all those horror films and whatnot. (nervously chuckles) I’m more of a… (pauses) Well, I’m more of a… (stammers) Oh, you know, a comedy man, really.
Oh, dear, I’m getting a bit sidetracked, aren’t I? (nervously laughs) Ah, yes, Tony Todd. Well, as I was saying, he was a bit of a legendary figure, and his performances in those horror films were quite… (pauses) Well, they were quite something, weren’t they? (nervously smiles)
And, of course, who can forget that iconic… (stammers) Oh, you know, the Candyman thing? (nervously chuckles) I mean, it’s a bit of a… (pauses) Well, it’s a bit of a cultural phenomenon, isn’t it? (nervously nods)
Anyway, that’s all I have to say about Tony Todd, really. (nervously smiles) I hope that was… (pauses) Well, I hope that was somewhat informative. (nervously chuckles) Ah, dear, I do hope so.
from ricky gervais)
(in a sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek tone) Oh, great, another opportunity to talk about the dead. (smirks) You know, I love talking about the dead. It’s not like they can sue me for libel or anything. (laughs)
So, Tony Todd. The man, the myth, the… well, he’s not really a legend, is he? I mean, he’s not exactly in the same league as, say, Marlon Brando or Daniel Day-Lewis. (smirks) But, hey, he’s had a career spanning decades, and he’s managed to carve out a niche for himself in the world of… (pauses) Well, let’s just call it “low-brow” cinema, shall we?
And, of course, who can forget his iconic performance in Candyman? (smirks) I mean, it’s not like he’s been typecast or anything. (laugh) The man’s played almost nothing but horror villains and creepy characters throughout his career. (chuckles) Ah, but that’s not a criticism, of course. I mean, he’s good at it, and that’s all that matters, right?
And let’s not forget his performance in Final Destination. (smirks) Oh, boy, that’s a film that’ll make you think twice about… well, not doing anything, really. (laughs) I mean, it’s not like the film’s got any real redeeming value, but hey, Tony Todd’s in it, so that’s something, right?
All in all, Tony Todd’s had a… well, not exactly a glamorous career, but he’s had a career nonetheless. (smirks) And that’s more than can be said for most of us, right? I mean, I’ve had a career, and look where it’s gotten me. (laughs)
from lee evans)
(in a loud, boisterous tone) OH, TONY TODD, THE LAD’S A LEGEND, INNIT? (pauses for comedic effect) I mean, the man’s been ’round the block a few times, ‘e’s got more horror credits than a… well, than a horror actor, ain’t ‘e? (laughs) And Candyman, blimey, that’s a film that’ll give you the ‘eebie-jeebies, ain’t it? (chuckles) I mean, I was watchin’ that film with me mates, and we were all sittin’ there thinkin’, “Bloody ‘ell, Tony Todd’s a big fella, innit?” (laughs)
And ‘is performance in Final Destination, blimey, that’s the one that’ll make you think twice about gettin’ on a plane, ain’t it? (laughs) I mean, I was sittin’ there thinkin’, “Blimey, what’s the odds of fatally fallin’ off a tree branch, eh?” (chuckles) And then, BAM! Next thing you know, you’re gettin’ chased by Death ‘imself. (laughs)
But, you know, Tony Todd’s not just about ‘orror films, is ‘e? ‘E’s also done some decent comedies, ain’t ‘e? (smirks) Ah, yes, like that one time ‘e played a murderer in a film… no, wait, that was just most of ‘is career, innit? (laughs)
All in all, Tony Todd’s a… well, ‘e’s a top fella, ain’t ‘e? (smirks) And ‘is legacy lives on in our collective ‘eart of ‘eart rates, eh? (laughs)
Tony Todd
Tony Todd, the renowned American actor, died on November 6 at the age of 69, leaving an indelible legacy in the film and television industry. Known for his imposing presence and characteristic deep voice, Todd achieved fame in roles that marked the horror genre, such as the iconic Candyman and his participation in the Final Destination saga. In addition to his work in film, Todd also had participations in television projects such as Star Trek: The Next Generation, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, The X-Files and 24, as well as animated productions such as Transformers Prime.
To pay tribute to his legacy, we will review some of his most notable contributions, which established him as an essential figure in suspense and supernatural cinema.
Tony Todd made the decision to film the actual scenes when his character had to release them from his mouth.
We start with what is probably one of his most emblematic roles in Candyman, released in 1992 under the direction of Bernard Rose. In this film, Tony Todd plays the feared vengeful spirit known as Candyman, a figure who, according to urban legend, appears when his name is invoked five times in front of a mirror. The story follows a sociology student, named Helen Lyle, who investigates the history of this mysterious murderer, only to become his next victim.
His performance is not only memorable for the actor’s haunting voice and presence, but also for the emotional depth he brings to a character who could have simply been a superficial horror figure. The film, which explores themes such as racism and urban legends, became a horror milestone, and Todd’s performance was key to its success, leaving an important mark within the genre.
The success of Candyman led to several sequels, such as Candyman: Farewell to the Flesh (1995) and Candyman: Day of the Dead (1999), in which Todd reprized the character. Even in 2021, the saga had a new installment under the direction of Nia DaCosta (The Marvel), which functioned as a spiritual sequel to the 1992 film. Although Todd did not include a main role in this last film, his presence in the franchise he remained pivotal, whether through his voice or the legend he built in the original film.
Tony Todd
We continue with his participation in Final Destination, in which the actor plays William Bludworth, a mysterious and sinister funeral agent who appears in several of the installments. The franchise, started in 2000, centers on a group of people who manage to escape a deadly accident thanks to a premonition, only to discover that Death has a plan to claim their lives, one by one. Todd, as Bludworth, acts as a kind of macabre guide who knows the secrets of death and warns the survivors of the imminent fate that awaits them. His character is fundamental in establishing the disturbing atmosphere of the saga, with his enigmatic presence that suggests that death is not just an accident, but an unstoppable force.
The saga was notable for its unique focus on horror, focusing not on a traditional villain, but on Death himself as an entity that stalks the survivors of each accident. The franchise became iconic, not only for its original concept, but for the shocking death sequences that have been etched in fans’ memories thanks to their brutality and creativity.
Screenshot of the official trailer for Night of the Living Dead (1990)
Third, we have Night of the Living Dead, released in 1990 under the direction of Tom Savini (Creepshow) and a script by George A. Romero. This film is a reimagining of the 1968 horror classic, which follows a group of people trapped in a house as they try to survive a zombie invasion. Throughout the film, the characters face not only the threat of the undead, but also the internal conflicts that arise in an atmosphere of desperation. The film, like the original, is characterized by its atmosphere of claustrophobia and its tension-filled horror scenes.
The cast of this project is led by Tony Todd, who plays Ben, the leader of the group of survivors. Along with him, Patricia Tallman (Knightriders) plays Barbara, who, unlike the original version, has a more active role in the development of the plot. The cast also includes Tom Towles (House of 1000 Corpses, Blood for Blood) and McKee Anderson (Like Normal People), among other actors who contribute to a desperate atmosphere.
Screenshot of the official Hatchet 2 trailer
Lastly, for this brief review, we have Hatchet, a slasher film released in 2006 under the direction of Adam Green (Death on the Mountain). The story follows a group of tourists who, after a tour in the Louisiana swamps, find themselves trapped by Victor Crowley, a masked killer who stalks all who venture into his territory. Tony Todd plays Reverend Zombie, a character who, although not the protagonist, plays a crucial role in offering information about the legend behind Crowley and his violent thirst for revenge. Throughout the film, Todd brings a haunting presence that heightens the atmosphere of horror and despair as the characters attempt to escape the deadly threat that pursues them.
In 2010, this project had a sequel titled Hatchet II, which continued the story of Victor Crowley and his victims, with Todd reprising his participation. The franchise, characterized by its exaggerated death sequences and a particular focus on gore, established itself as one of the most fun within the modern slasher subgenre. The cast includes actors such as Kane Hodder (Kill Her Goats), Danielle Harris (Make a Wish, Urban Legend) and Thomas Lee Holland (Psycho II).
