Tony Todd, the iconic actor behind the legendary role of the hook-handed killer in Candyman, has passed away at the age of 69. Todd died at his home in Los Angeles on Wednesday after a long illness, with his wife, Fatima, confirming the news to the Hollywood Reporter.

Born in Washington, DC, in 1954, Todd’s career spanned over four decades, during which he accumulated more than 200 film and television credits. His early work included the role of Sergeant Warren, a heroin-addicted soldier in Oliver Stone’s Platoon (1986), and he later starred in major films like The Rock (1996), alongside Nicolas Cage, and The Crow (1994), in which he portrayed Grange, a friend to Brandon Lee’s character.

Tony Todd was also widely recognized for his role as the funeral home owner William Bludworth in the Final Destination franchise, where his deep voice and commanding presence made him a fan favorite. On television, Todd appeared in numerous hit series, including 24, The X-Files, 21 Jump Street, MacGyver, and Law & Order. He notably portrayed the Klingon Kurn in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, a character beloved by fans of the franchise.

In addition to his live-action roles, Todd had a successful career as a voice actor, lending his talents to video games like Call of Duty and Half Life, as well as voicing characters such as Venom in Spider-Man 2 and a villain in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009).

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However, it was his role in Candyman (1992) that truly cemented his place in cinematic history. As Daniel Robitaille, a tragic figure wronged by racism and violence, Todd’s portrayal of the titular killer captivated audiences and sparked conversations about race and class. His character, who haunts the public housing project built on the site of his lynching, became an unforgettable figure in the horror genre.

Todd’s commitment to his craft extended beyond acting; he also used his fame to make a difference. He was involved in gang outreach programs and organized acting seminars for underprivileged youth, using his platform to inspire and help others.

New Line Cinema, the studio behind Final Destination, paid tribute to the actor, writing on Instagram, “The industry has lost a legend. We have lost a cherished friend. Rest in peace, Tony, – Your Final Destination Family.”

Tony Todd’s legacy continues to live on through his extensive body of work and the impact he had on his fans and the community.