Where do I begin? The Horror community is incredibly lucky and grateful to have an actor with so much talent embrace the genre the way Tony has. He brings so much poetry and theatric grace to the genre. The first movie I remember seeing Tony in was “Platoon.” Though he didn’t have much screen time or many lines, he has a commanding presence that forces you to take notice. To remember “Platoon” you have to remember that it was a collection of talented up and comers with small roles, creating a dark reality.
The next movie I saw him in hit much closer to home. Again it was a small role. Playing a fed up veteran in a community meeting in the no holds barred gang film “Colors,” he lashes out at the gang counselor. The voice of the hard workers forced to live like victims. As a kid growing up in those neighborhoods, I felt his frustration, and his blinding rage.
Most people I talk to think “Candyman” was his introduction to Horror, but it was the under rated 1990 Tom Savini remake of “Night of the Living Dead” that made real Horror fans a Tony Todd fan. Duane Jones performance in the original was a tough act to follow. Tony made it his own, and unlike most remake performances, didn’t come off as a carbon copy of the original.
Now on to “Candyman.” His definitive role. The role that most likely provided him the future roles he richly deserves. Around the time when Freddy’s wise cracks were played out, and the silent killer had lost it’s edge, Tony brought a poetic darkness to a fresh new Horror “villain” that only he could play. I say villain with little doubt. Honestly, I don’t consider Candyman a villain. A character with a heart wrenching tragic death, that accepts his role as the boogeyman and seeks out his true love. It’s this role that Tony will be
remembered for like Robert Englund and Freddy. Not a bad thing. Not at all.
The next movie that his performance impacted me was “The Crow.” He could’ve easily played the lead villain (Not that Michael Wincott didn’t kill it). What I loved about his performance, was no matter how crazy it got he never lost his cool. Always took the situation at face value, and handled it.
The reason why I combine “Wishmaster, Final Destination, and Hatchet” is because is screen time in these films were short, but dominating. He was the explanation. He was the one that told you you were doomed. If he tells you, you’d better listen.
His cameo on season 2 of “Holliston” had me in stitches. It was refreshing to see him bring the comedy. To play off his imposing reputation, and have fun with it. The last movie I saw him in that I feel deserves way more credit was “Sushi Girl.” That was his movie. He owned it. He was the Lawrence Tierney (Reservoir Dogs) and Paul Sorvino (Goodfellas) of the movie. He was calling the shots, and everyone including the camera did what they were told.
There’s a lot of actors with less talent that snub they’re nose at their Horror roots. I always thought that was incredibly conceited. It’s refreshing and amazing to a movie fanatic, when a theatrically trained, insanely talented actor embraces the genre like family, and doesn’t turn his back on it. I hate the terms “A list stars.” It absolutely disgusts me. Tony Todd is just as talented as Denzel, George, Brat, Leonardo, Johnny, etc. He could easily turn to blockbusters, and all these forgettable Hollywood hits. The Horror community should thank him for bringing his art to our genre, and leaving behind a body of work that will be in my library til the day I die. Thank you Tony for all the great body of work you’ve given us. Can’t wait to see what’s next.
– G.R.E.E.N.B.A.N.K.
MORBID MOVIE MEMOIRS: VHS GENERATION 