The gates of Sto-vo-kor have opened, and another star in the sky shines a little brighter. Actor and horror legend Tony Todd passed away from unknown causes in his Marina Del Rey home in Los Angeles, California on Wednesday, November 6 (2024), at the age of 69. Todd had an extensive career and is known for many memorable roles, notably as the infamous Candyman, and in the Final Destination franchise. But for Star Trek fans, two incredible guest performances will stand the test of time. As Klingon Captain Kurn in The Next Generation, and Deep Space Nine‘s older Jake Sisko, in the all-time great episode ‘The Visitor’.
Early Life & Career
Tony Todd was born on December 4, 1954, in Washington, D.C., and began his nearly 40-year career after studying at the University of Connecticut. He went on to the Eugene O’Neill National Theatre Institute. After graduating Todd started his professional theatre career at the Trinity Rep Conservatory in Providence (Rhode Island). It was in theatre where his rich, resonating voice and towering presence first brought recognition for the classical characters he brought to life.
His talents soon drew him to the silver screen young, where one of his first roles was the heroin-addicted Sgt Warren in Oliver Stone’s Oscar-winning Vietnam War movie Platoon. He would also guest star in numerous great TV shows including 21 Jump Street, Murder, She Wrote, Matlock, Law & Order, The X Files, NYPD Blue, Beverly Hills 90210, and genre favorites like MacGyver, X-Files, and Xena: Warrior Princess.
Tony Todd would find perhaps his greatest acclaim in the horror genre and one of his most recognizable roles – 1992’s The Candyman. The now cult classic would become part of pop culture in the 90s, with Todd’s blend of gravitas and menacing presence transforming the urban legend. Todd reflected on his portrayal of Candyman, “I was blessed to get that part. That movie has been so deeply embraced. People have told me it changed the way they saw the world.” (SyFy Wire, 2021)
A Reach Far Into the Stars
For Star Trek fans, however, Tony Todd’s influence in the franchise took him to nearly all four quadrants of the galaxy. He first appeared in Star Trek: The Next Generation as Commander Kurn in “Sins of the Father,” (Season 3, Episode 17). Kurn was temporarily posted to the Enterprise as part of the interspecies exchange program, acting as first officer. Later it was revealed that he was also a son of Mogh, and brother of Worf (Michael Dorn). His character solidified in the “Redemption, Parts 1 & 2,” story arc which transitioned Season 4 into Season 5.
Todd’s raw acting skills further showed in “Sins of the Father,” (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Season 3×17) where he comes back to Worf, begging for an honorable death upon learning of the House of Mogh’s fall from grace. Worf had refused to help Chancellor Gowron (Robert O’Reilly) invade Cardassia, leading to his banishment. The character of Kurn ended here when Worf opted to have his memory selectively erased for him to establish a new identity, free of dishonor.
The Visitor
Todd would later be heavily considered for the part of Deep Space Nine’s Captain Benjamin Sisko. Although he lost out on the role, Todd returned to make a guest appearance in one of the series’ most beloved episodes, playing an old Jake Sisko, in the future set ‘The Visitor’. The actor narrates ‘The Vistor’ in his role as the older Jake Sisko, who reflects on a tragedy that led to his father, Captain Benjamin Sisko (Avery Brooks), being lost. The episode centers around Jake’s life-long mission as he tries to reverse the accident, saving his father (and himself).
“There’s only one first time for everything, isn’t there? And only one last time too. You think about such things when you get to be my age; that today may be the last time you sit in your favorite chair, or watch the rain fall, or enjoy a cup of tea by a warm fire.”
Jake Sisko in Deep Space Nine episode “The Visitor”
This episode truly showed Tony Todd’s impressive range of acting skills. He portrayed his character flawlessly, transferring Jake’s emotions to viewers. Tony often cited “The Visitor” as his favorite episode. Trek Central recently interviewed Todd Slayton who was an extra throughout many Star Trek episodes across multiple series. He also played as Ciroc Lofton’s “double” in much of Deep Space Nine.
“About 5 years ago, we (Ciroc Lofton and himself) went to a Comic-Con and we did some interviews with some people. We ran into Tony Todd and that was really cool because we took a picture and we called it ‘The Three Cirocs‘.”
Todd Slayton
Slayton recounted his favorite memory of Tony Todd: “We had hung out at an industry party. Brock was there talking to people and Tony and I just sat, talking trash about the industry – while sitting at an industry party! The irony was not lost. I have a lot to say (about Tony). Rest in Peace, Candyman.”
Star Trek Voyager’s ‘Prey’
The final time Star Trek audiences see Tony Todd is in heavy prosthetic make-up as an Alpha Hirogen. This species, native to the Delta Quadrant, gave Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) and crew quite a challenge.
The way a creature behaves when it is wounded is the key to its destruction… We thought that we had killed the creature, but this prey is unlike any other. It has many lives.”
Alpha Hirogen (Tony Todd) in Star Trek: Voyager episode ‘Prey’
Standing at 6′ 5″ tall, Todd sold this part and allowed audiences to understand more about the Hirogen’s hunter mentality. Pursuing a member of Species 8472, he fought with Janeway to allow him his prey. The Voyager crew, however, tried to save the alien by sending it back to fluidic space. Ultimately, differing opinions of a frightened Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) lead her to allow the Hirogen to take his prey.
Candyman, and More!
Throughout the years Tony Todd has starred in many major box office hits such as Night of the Living Dead, Jack the Reaper, and the entire Final Destination series. And it’s in this franchise that the actor will make his final, acting appearance. Todd appears in the latest installment of Final Destination ‘Bloodlines‘, set to show in theaters next year (2025). It will give audiences one last time to see Todd shine on the silver screen.
An Everlasting Legacy
Tony Todd had remarkable talent, his passion for his craft evident in every role player, be it on television or in films. His uniqueness brought life to every character with his towering yet gentle nature. Pop star The Weeknd paid tribute to Todd on social media calling Tony Todd a “Trailblazer” in the industry – and he truly was.
Warriors shall scream to the sky, opening the gates of Sto-Vo-Kor and honoring Tony Todd in the way of Kahless:
“We implore you to remember those warriors who have fallen in your name. Lift them out of the cavern of despair, and reveal yourself to them and all your glory.
Remember Tony Todd, portrayer of Kurn…”
On behalf of Star Trek fans around the world thank you Mr. Todd.
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