The 77th Primetime Emmy Awards drew widespread attention on Sunday night, celebrating the best in television over the past year. Yet amid the glitz and glamour, several notable omissions in the annual “In Memoriam” segment sparked disappointment among fans and industry insiders alike.
Among those left out was Tony Todd, the versatile actor whose work spanned nearly four decades across film and television. Best known as the terrifying titular villain in the “Candyman” pictures, Todd also appeared in a range of beloved TV series.
Todd’s absence did not go unnoticed by those closest to him. Fatima Cortez Todd, his widow, expressed both frustration and resignation over the snub, emphasizing the breadth and depth of her husband’s career and his dedication to his craft.
Widow of Tony Todd Criticizes Emmy Awards for Snubbing Late Actor
Fatima Cortez Todd didn’t hold back when discussing her late husband’s absence from the Emmys’ “In Memoriam” segment. She acknowledged the disappointment but said she wasn’t entirely surprised. “Tony had a long list of TV credits, but he was not respected as much by the industry he gave his artistic life,” she told Entertainment Weekly. According to Fatima, the omission reflects a broader issue with award shows, which often overlook talented artists who deserve recognition.
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She painted a picture of an actor who never let the industry’s oversight diminish his passion. “He was classically trained and always given great support by his fans. Ultimately, he gave his all because he loved his work,” she said. Even when he missed out on roles he hoped to land, Todd maintained his generosity of spirit and approached every opportunity with dedication. “Many times he was told that he should have had a role he didn’t get. He still maintained his generosity of spirit,” Fatima added.
While Todd is, again, best remembered for his chilling performance in the “Candyman” films, his television career was extensive and varied. He brought his talents to iconic franchises such as “Star Trek,” portraying multiple characters including Worf’s brother Kurn and an adult Jake Sisko, and even returned years later to voice General Rodek in the MMORPG “Star Trek Online.” He also played two different speaking roles in “24,” showcasing his versatility in complex storylines, and appeared in fan-favorite series like “The Flash,” where he voiced the villain Zoom across several seasons.
Beyond these headline roles, Todd made recurring and guest appearances on a wide range of shows, from “Boston Public” to “Law and Order, Homicide: Life on the Street,” “Smallville,” “Charmed,” “Psych,” “Criminal Minds,” and “Scream: Resurrection.” He also lent his voice to animated projects like “Transformers: Prime” and “Young Justice,” proving his ability to excel across mediums and genres. Todd’s career reflected both his classical training and his love of storytelling, whether in front of the camera or behind a microphone.
Fatima’s reflections make clear that Tony Todd’s impact went far beyond the awards circuit. “The award shows look over many who should be honored. That’s on them,” she said, emphasizing that his legacy isn’t defined by omissions but by the dedication, artistry, and passion he brought to every role. Her words shine a light on an actor whose contributions to television and film were vast, influential, and deeply appreciated by the fans who admired him most.
