Tony Todd’s role as Candyman was one of the most iconic moments in the 90s. The actor made history by giving audiences one of the scariest and Blackest horror icons ever, but his real-life experiences were filled with sweet moments, too.
When Todd was three, his mother experienced hardship. But instead of leaving him to the system, his family came together, and his aunt took custody of him. Todd’s mother later changed her life and reconciled with him.
After he found fame as Candyman, Todd used the character to help vulnerable Black kids resist gang violence. His work helped them avoid death and police brutality.
Though Todd performed in hundreds of films, TV series, voice-over, and video games, he was a blues musician. Blues music grounded him in Blackness, and he brought his connections with enslavement and creativity to each role, especially Candyman.
Todd’s life reminds us that our Blackness is powerful in any form, from family to storytelling. Stand in the mirror and say this five times: Blackness is powerful.