Tony Todd died at the age of 69 in November 2024, leaving behind a legacy that could remain unmatched for years, if not decades to come. I recently came across a brief yet powerful tribute to the Candyman actor regarding one of his earliest yet most iconic roles: Ben in Tom Savini’s take on Night of the Living Dead.
I’ve always loved Todd’s version of the hero, first played by Duane Jones in George A. Romero’s iconic zombie movie, but after hearing about his audition for the 1990 remake, I have an even greater appreciation for his powerful performance and the man himself. Here’s the story behind his Night of the Living Dead audition and how it kicked off one of the most legendary careers in horror history.
