Tony Todd/Shutterstock Actor Tony Todd , best known for his iconic role in the horror film Candyman , passed away at 69 last week. The actor's agent, Dede Binder, confirmed the news. Todd was the first African American to star as a lead horror character. Based on Clive Barker's short story The Forbidden , Todd's immortal character significantly contributed to the horror genre. The Candyman franchise gained a staunch cult following after his performance. Tony Todd/Candyman/IM