Best Tony Todd Roles, Ranked

Key Takeaways

Tony Todd excelled in various roles bringing nuance and depth to characters across multiple genres.
His voice was iconic in creating a tense atmosphere in games like Layers of Fear 2 and Spider-Man 2.
Todd’s performances as villains, heroes, and mysterious figures left a lasting impact, making him a legendary horror icon.

As a die-hard fan of horror movies, I have to say that Tony Todd has left an indelible mark on my heart and my screams throughout his illustrious career. His voice, a rich baritone that could make even the bravest of souls tremble, is as iconic as the villains he’s brought to life.

6th November, 2024 was an incredibly sorrowful day, marking the loss of yet another legendary figure who graced our screens with an unparalleled versatility that no other actor could quite emulate like Tony Todd did. Throughout his illustrious career in acting and voice acting, he amassed numerous accolades, leaving behind a rich tapestry of iconic performances that will forever be etched in the minds of fans worldwide.

Though most will know him for playing the titular Candyman from the horror classic, there are many other roles that deserve to be paid tribute to from a wide array of movies and even video games.

8 The Director (Layers of Fear 2)

His Iconic Voice was Perfect for the Atmosphere

In a fresh turn of events for the series, the second installment, Layers of Fear 2, unfolds a distinct narrative centered on an actor’s life aboard a ship. Interestingly enough, the character’s journey within the game is narrated by the director, as if they are directing a film and the actor is following their lead.

These games excel in both visual style and building an intense ambiance, as Layers of Fear shuns cheap jump scares and monster designs akin to Resident Evil. The ominous tones of Tony Todd’s voice add the ideal touch, intensifying the horror experienced within the game and its narrative. Each delivery is flawless, and no other could have evoked the same sense of dread with each spoken dialogue line.

7 The Funeral Director (Final Destination)

A Mysterious Figure Always Offering Cryptic Words

Director(s): James Wong
Release Date: March 17th, 2000
Runtime: 1hr 38m

The “Final Destination” film series emphasizes that death is an unavoidable reality, and every effort to evade it proves fruitless. In these movies, hapless victims experience some of the most gruesome deaths ever depicted on screen, yet this doesn’t seem to rattle William Bludworth, who, as a mortician, has frequent encounters with the mangled remains of the deceased.

Beyond just a strong constitution, there appears to be something more profound about this man – he seems extraordinarily knowledgeable about Death and its intricate workings, which are shrouded in mystery for most people. He often communicates enigmatically with the survivors but shares insights that can aid them in surviving, as seen in Final Destination 5. Tony Todd masterfully portrays the enigma of Bludworth’s character, making him a beloved figure among fans of the franchise. It’s plausible to suppose that Tony Todd’s exceptional acting contributed significantly to Bludworth’s popularity.

6 The Fallen (Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen)

A Captivating Performance as the True Founder of the Decepticons

Director(s): Michael Bay
Release Date: June 24th, 2009
Runtime: 2hr 30m

Previously collaborating with Bay on “The Rock” as Captain Darrow, it was only a matter of time before he landed a role in his signature series, “Transformers”, more specifically “Revenge of the Fallen”. The title itself hints at the return of The Fallen, the original Decepticon, who seeks vengeance for being vanquished by the Primes some 17,000 years ago.

In a fitting turn of events, it was only appropriate that a voice as ominous as Tony Todd’s would echo the grandeur and menace of this timeless (or perhaps age-old) peril. With a reputation for portraying sinister characters in the annals of cinema, Todd elevated the villainy of this character to unprecedented heights – a feat that truly surpassed expectations for this PG-13 production.

5 Captain Darrow (The Rock)

A Badass Mercenary Viewers Almost Want to Root For

Director(s): Michael Bay
Release Date: June 7th, 1996
Runtime: 2hr 16m

Prior to the release of Transformers, Michael Bay was more famously associated with movies like The Rock. In this action-packed film, a band of renegade military personnel conspired to launch a nerve gas assault on the citizens of San Francisco, operating from within the walls of Alcatraz.

Despite not being the primary character, Tony Todd’s portrayal of Captain Darrow is undeniably captivating whenever he appears on screen. In this movie, Darrow is a self-serving, ruthless, and decidedly wicked individual. Yet, as with all performances by Tony Todd, his acting is so compelling that viewers find themselves drawn to him, even though they may not approve of his actions. Remorse never crosses Darrow’s path, even after Hummel reconsiders their plan, maintaining his role as the unrepentant villain until the very end.

4 Ben (Night of the Living Dead 1990)

Todd Stars in the Rare Role of a Protagonist

Director(s): Tom Savini
Release Date: October 9th, 1990
Runtime: 1hr 28m

In its initial showing, the movie Night of the Living Dead stood out as a trailblazer in the horror genre, even though earlier films like White Zombie had come before it. Despite this, it remains one of the most impactful and influential works within the zombie sub-genre, shaping the entire horror genre as well. The special effects were strikingly realistic, and its main character was a black man, which for the 1960s was quite progressive and ahead of its time.

As a fan, I must admit that the ’90s remake didn’t quite capture the same magic as the original, but it was still an impressive attempt, especially with Tony Todd on board. Known for his chilling portrayals of villains, this was one of those rare and delightful instances where he took on the hero’s role. Ben is often overlooked among horror protagonists, but Tony Todd delivered a near-perfect performance that paid heartfelt tribute to Duane Jones, the original actor who brought him to life.

3 Grange (The Crow)

One of the More Intimidating Mobster’s

In this engaging film titled “The Crow“, two esteemed actors, Brandon Lee and Tony Todd, who have since passed away, take center stage. The story unfolds in a city plagued by crime, particularly on the ominous night known as Devil’s Night. A group of thugs associated with Top Dollar brutally murder Eric and Shelley within their apartment. However, a year later, Eric is mysteriously resurrected by a crow, granting him a chance to avenge the injustice inflicted upon himself and his beloved fiancée, by seeking vengeance against their killers.

In Top Dollar’s crew, you’ll find a host of eccentric individuals who are boisterous, annoying, and even brazen enough to swallow gunfire—and then there’s Grange. A senior member within the gang, Grange maintains an unflappable composure regardless of the circumstances. His commanding presence is so effortlessly portrayed by Tony Todd’s acting talent. It’s in villainous roles that he truly excels, and this is clear in his performance in The Crow. Though he may not be the main antagonist, his screen time is far from inconsequential.

2 Venom (Spider-Man 2)

His Rich and Guttural Voice Perfectly Suited the Symbiote

In the sequel titled “Spider-Man 2,” Insomniac’s “Spider-Man” series experienced an upgrade, offering a more substantial and improved experience. Two Spider-Men joined forces to combat fresh perils including Kraven the Hunter, the Cult of the Flame, and Venom, one of Peter’s most formidable adversaries in Spider-Man lore. In this game, Venom emerged as the primary antagonist, overtaking New York City and transforming numerous citizens into symbiotes. During part of the game, even Peter found himself under Venom’s control.

Such a lauded and epic villain needed a performance to match. There have been many actors and voice actors who have played the role of Venom before, such as Tom Hardy in the Sony’s Universe version, but there is no one that could top Tony Todd’s performance in the game. His rich and guttural voice went beyond what an ordinary human’s should, driving home the cosmic horror that is Venom. Every line spoken felt terrifying to hear, even more so when it slithered out of the speaker on the PS5 controller, as though Venom was breaking the fourth wall and directly addressing the player rather than Spider-Man.

1 Candyman (Candyman 1992)

A Horror Icon Both Terrifying and Alluring

Director(s): Bernard Rose
Release Date: October 16th, 1992
Runtime: 1hr 41m

In five repetitions of his name, he might materialize, similar to a chilling urban myth often linked to mirrored dwellings in cities. The character known as Candyman, in the movie, is primarily seen as an urban legend, serving as a means for the residents of Cabrini-Green to deal with racial prejudice. However, Helen’s academic thesis revolves around this idea. Unbeknownst to her, she will soon discover that Candyman is more than just a mythical figure, and she may become the latest victim at the hands of this terrifying legend.

Candyman isn’t your average jump-scare movie loaded with blood and gore; instead, it employs a more nuanced approach to horror, basing its narrative on real-world issues, even for the origin of its title character. While his connection with bees and hook-hand may startle some viewers, his backstory immediately triggers feelings of empathy. Tony Todd’s compelling and captivating portrayal of the urban legend was exactly what the character required and merited. He even requested using real bees for a specific scene that fans recognize and cherish, demonstrating Todd’s commitment to excellence by delivering an outstanding performance and cementing his status as a horror icon.

2024-11-14 14:54