Actor Tony Todd of 'Candyman' fame dies at age 69

The film world is mourning amid news that an actor renowned for his work in a popular horror series has passed away.

As Variety reports, Tony Todd, famous for his roles in the Candyman franchise as a ghostly, hook-wielding assailant, died Wednesday in California at age 69.

Horror genre stalwart lost

For decades, Todd was known to fans of the horror film genre, making a name for himself is such memorable productions as The Crow, The Rock, and Final Destination.

However, most aficionados will remember Todd best for his role in Candyman, a take on a Clive Barker short story orchestrated by Bernard Rose.

With his towering physical stature at the forefront, Todd's portrayal of Daniel Robitaille, a bee-covered ghost of a murdered artist, is something filmgoers are unlikely to forget.

Though the film received some criticism suggesting that it capitalized on outdated racial stereotypes, other reviewers praised it for tackling complicated matters of discrimination and gentrification in urban centers.

Todd went on to play the same role in a series of sequels, bringing the same original energy to the role he made famous.

A life remembered

A native of Washington, D.C., Todd spent two years at the University of Connecticut before moving on to the Eugene O'Neill National Theater Institute, spending significant time on the stage before moving to the big screen.

As news of his death began to spread, reactions poured in from friends, family, and former colleagues alike.

Virginia Madsen, Todd's Candyman co-star, took to Instagram and said, “My beloved. May you rest in power sweet to the sweet in heaven. The great actor Tony Todd has left us and is now an angel. As he was in life.”

The folks at New Line Cinema, responsible for some of Todd's most memorable movie appearances, posted, “The industry has lost a legend. We have lost a cherished friend. Rest in peace, Tony, Your Final Destination Family.”

Todd is survived by his wife, Fatima, his children, Alex and Ariana, as well as a world of fans who will continue to enjoy the impressive on-screen legacy he leaves behind for generations yet to come.