Three things I don’t do anymore: ride roller coasters, drive behind a truck with logs, and get on bridges that are under construction. One movie is the reason why: Final Destination.
But what I remember most about the film is that it starred one stereotype-defying Black man who did not die first — Tony Todd.
I just watched a trailer for the newest installment of Final Destination (with the added ‘Bloodlines’), due to arrive in theaters this May. The satisfying twist ending for FD5 was done to perfection, so I am not sure what to expect from this new sequel, but I’m looking forward to seeing the return of one of the Black godfathers of horror: Tony Todd.
Todd passed away in November 2024 at the age of 69, before he could watch his return to the big screen. In honor of Black History Month, I revisited Todd’s career and took a closer look at his impact on film – and on my own experience as a horror fan.
The first time I saw Tony Todd was in Candyman (1992). I was in elementary school, and I was terrified by the story, but fascinated by the film’s imagery. To this day I refuse to say “Candyman” five times within the same week.
Todd portrayed the justifiably vengeful spirit of a wrongly murdered Black man named Daniel Robitaille. We didn’t just get the chilling voice and the meanest fur trench coat, he gave us a core memory as horror fans. It was a layered performance with a tragic backstory and a sheer poetic menace. But Todd’s Daniel was more than a monster; he was a wounded soul seeking retribution. He embodied a Black ghost born of state-sanctioned racial violence and turned the character into a legend both feared and respected by the residents of Cabrini-Green. His refusal to be a basic boogeyman set Todd’s work apart, and made him a vital figure in the horror genre.
While I adore the original 1968 Night of the Living Dead, it was Tony Todd’s depiction of the character Ben in the 1990 version – chillingly focused – that kept Night of the Living Dead in my top 10 for three decades.
Todd could skate across just about every horror genre — camp, body horror, dark fantasy — and always deliver complex, layered characters who weren’t just flat victims or villains. This man was in at least one movie every year from 2003 to 2024 and he was never forgettable. I was always disappointed when someone hadn’t heard of him; Tony Todd never got the recognition he deserved. In total, he had more than 50 movie roles under his belt—that’s 10 times the average for an actor. It was Todd’s presence that helped pave the way for future Black horror filmmakers like Kasi Lemmons, Jordan Peele, and Tim Story.
Let’s celebrate some of Tony Todd’s most memorable moments on screen:
The Crow (1994): As the villain Grange, Todd commanded attention with his cold, compassion-less demeanor. And that stare—he was a force to be reckoned with when he kidnapped the love interest on their way to the final battle with The Crow. He also brought in elements from the comic into the film. This wasn’t just about being a bad guy, it was about presence, about taking up space in a genre that had historically erased Black voices. He opened the door for late 90s/ early 2000s horror films with Black main characters like Tales from the Hood, Vampire in Brooklyn, and Demon Knight.
Final Destination (2000): As Mr. Bludworth, the mortician with all the answers, Todd became a recurring figure in the Final Destination franchise. He was the voice of fate, the harbinger of doom. This role, though seemingly smaller, solidified Todd’s influence in the action-horror genre. He became an almost omniscient figure, a constant reminder of the fragility of life and the consequences of our actions.
The Rock (1996): Even in a big-budget action blockbuster, Todd’s unforgettable presence was felt. As Captain Darrow, a former U.S. marine who helps General Hummel take hostages at Alcatraz, he brought a level of intensity to the role that would be befitting of the main antagonist. It’s a reminder that talent and range go a long way.
X-Files Season 2 – “Sleepless” Episode (1994): Tony Todd brought his signature deep voice and imposing physical presence that oscillates between menacing and nurturing. As Preacher, a man subjected to twisted military tests reminiscent of the Tuskegee Experiment, he was calculated and focused. Like generations of Black people before him, he is able to turn his trauma into power. Tony Todd took it even further when he weaponized his trauma, projecting hallucinations onto the people who did him dirty. As always, he delivers a commanding, intense, and theatrical performance.
Star Trek – Multiple Seasons (1990 – 1998): That’s right—Tony Todd is also part of the Star Trek Universe. Our horror icon has beamed aboard not once, not twice, but three times! It may have been hard to tell under the prosthetics and makeup, but in the Next Generation arc he played a Klingon named Kurn, who was Worf’s equally matter-of-fact little brother. He eventually reprised that role as Kurn on Deep Space Nine (my favorite of all the Star Trek series). Later, he ended up playing grown-up Jake Sisko in an episode called “The Visitor”. Then, just for kicks, he played a hunter on Voyager with one memorable line: “The way a creature behaves when it is wounded is the key to its destruction.” Star Trek really boosted his television career and showed us his range. The official Star Trek page wrote a beautiful tribute to his legacy.
These are just a few examples of Tony Todd’s remarkable career. He was not just an actor, he was a cultural landmark, a pioneer who opened doors and challenged perceptions. His work is a testament to the importance of Black representation in all its complexity and nuance.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s recognize the contributions Tony Todd made to film, and the power of storytelling to challenge mainstream perceptions. So, as I reluctantly anticipate the next Final Destination film, I’ll be there ready to witness the final return of one of the true masters of horror: the indelible Tony Todd.
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