'Candyman' actor once spent two weeks in Vernon Manor's Beatles Suite
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“Come with me and be immortal.” Those words would normally sound very inviting, but when the Candyman spoke them to Helen Lyle (played by Virginia Madsen) in the 1992 movie “Candyman,” he was trying to convince her to forfeit her life. Tony Todd is most famous for playing Daniel Robitaille, aka the Candyman, in the film and its sequels. However, the 6-foot-5, charismatic actor has over 242 acting credits for movies, television, theater and video games. If you attend this weekend’s HorrorHound Weekend convention at the Sharonville Convention Center, you can meet him in person.
Todd was born in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Connecticut. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Connecticut and the Eugene O’Neill National Theater Institute, and he earned his Master’s Degree from the Brown University/Trinity Square Repertory Theater Conservatory.
After graduate school, Tony returned to Hartford, Connecticut, and managed a teenage theater group for a year and a half. Then he moved to New York City and worked in theater. There, Todd got Oliver Stone’s attention and was hired to be in his first film, “Platoon.”
“Candyman” is the film that made Todd one of the most beloved horror actors of our time. In the movie, the Candyman was the ghost of Daniel Robitaille, a well-educated artist who was brutally lynched in 1890. A wealthy man hired Daniel to paint his daughter. The two fell in love and the daughter got pregnant. Sadly, the wealthy father disapproved of their relationship and organized a group to murder Robitaille. During the brutal assault, Robitaille’s right hand was cut off and replaced with a hook. After that, he was covered with honeycombs and stung to death by bees.
Years later, whenever someone would look into the mirror and say “Candyman” five times, Robitaille’s ghost, accompanied by bees, would appear and kill the summoner.
The movies were not easy to film. There were more than 200,000 bees on set for the first movie. During the first three films, Todd was covered with bees, and despite protective gear, he was stung a total of 27 times.
Todd is quite familiar with Cincinnati. He performed in “Dark Paradise: The Legend of the Five-Pointed Star” at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park in 2001. During his performances, he stayed at the now-defunct Vernon Manor Hotel. Two weeks of his stay were spent in the Beatles Suite.
He is very fond of the Cincinnati Art Museum and some of Cincinnati’s restaurants. Tony loves regional theater and Cincinnati’s Playhouse is one of his favorites.
What is Todd’s favorite movie role? “The one that’s right in front of me is the one that’s present. They are like kids. They all have special needs,” Tony said.
However, Tony has a different view of his television experiences. “My favorite TV experience was with Star Trek. I worked hard to get it. I got the role of Kurn,” Todd said. Commander Kurn was Worf’s brother. Every time Tony played Commander Kurn, it took four hours for the makeup process to transform the human actor into a Klingon warrior.
“I’ve been getting a lot of voice-over work,” Todd said. “Ever since 'Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,' I’ve been booking like crazy including the upcoming 'Spider-Man 2' video game, where I play Venom.”
Todd will not be the only actor from “Candyman” at HorrorHound Weekend. Ted Raimi (Billy), who appeared in the first film, is scheduled to appear.
“I am looking forward to attending HorrorHound. I think that it is my third one in 30 years. I always felt that HorrorHound is arguably the number two horror con in the country,” Todd said. “I love people. I look forward to seeing all the rabid fans with their questions, and their attitudes, wanting a photo op. It’s just a beautiful thing because, without the fans, we would be totally inconsequential.
Other celebrities coming to HorrorHound Cincinnati
“Scream” franchise fans will scream for HorrorHound Weekend. Neve Campbell (Sidney Prescott), Matthew Lillard (Stu Macher), Skeet Ulrich (Billy Loomis), Jamie Kennedy (Randy Meeks) and Lee Waddell (stuntman) are expected to be there.
“Halloween” franchise fans will hallow the opportunity to meet Dick Warlock (Michael Myers), Tom Atkins (Dan Challis), Stacey Nelkin (Ellie Grimbridge), Airon Armstrong (Flashback Michael Myers), Tom Jones Jr. (Dr. Loomis), Michael Smallwood (Marcus), Carmela McNeal (Vanessa Wilson), Tommy Lee Wallace (director of "Halloween III") and Nancy Stephens (Marion).
“Walking Dead” actors Tom Payne (Paul “Jesus” Rovia), Ross Marquand (Aaron), Ryan Hurst (Beta) and Steven Ogg (Simon) plan to be walking alive at the convention.
“Creepshow” alumni Adrienne Barbeau (Wilma Northrup), John Amplass (Nathan as zombie), Darryl Ferrucci (Fluffy), Michael Gornick (film director) and Tom Savini (Garbage Man #2) are scheduled to show, creepy or not.
“Remember the Titans” actors Ethan Suplee (Louie Lastik) and Wood Harris (Julius Campbell) are expected.
David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown) and Damien Leone (the film’s director) from “Terrifier” are scheduled to appear.
“Friday the 13th” actor Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees) plans to be there.
Mark Dacascos (Eric Draven) from “The Crow: Stairway to Heaven” is scheduled to be there. He is better known for being the chairman of “Iron Chef America.”
Lloyd Kaufman (Toby) from “Comic Book Junkies” plans to appear.
Adam Green, director of the “Hatchet” film series, is slated to be there.
Tony Cecere, stuntman, from “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” is scheduled to be there.
Professional wrestlers Ruby Soho and Jon Moxley are planning to appear.
Artists Jason Edmiston, Matty Ryan Tobin, Sara Deck and Gary Pullin are slated to be there.
Grimm Life Collective is also anticipated for the convention.
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Each celebrity has separate charges for autographs, professional pictures and selfies. Check out the website for prices.
Vendors will sell toys, movies, posters, clothes, art and other merchandise.
HorrorHound will host several events, including Q&A sessions. Indie filmmaker Q&A, “Halloween III,” “Halloween Kills,” “Scream,” “Creepshow,” “Terrifier” and “The Walking Dead” panels are scheduled. A kids' costume contest will be held on Saturday at 5 p.m.
HorrorHound Weekend, what you need to know
Where: Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road.
When: March 25 to 27. Friday 5-10 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Admission: Friday and Sunday passes cost $35 each. Saturday and full-weekend passes are sold out.
Info: horrorhoundweekend.com.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: HorrorHound Weekend: Meet Tony Todd; stars of 'Scream,' 'Walking Dead'
