Tony Todd’s Widow Criticizes Emmys for Snubbing Beloved Star in ‘In Memoriam’

Fatima Cortez Todd, widow of the late actor Tony Todd, expressed her disappointment after her husband was left out of the “In Memoriam” segment during Sunday night’s Emmys broadcast.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly on Monday, she said, “Tony had a long list of TV credits but he was not respected as much by the industry he gave his artistic life.”

Though Todd was widely recognized for his iconic role as the villain in the Candyman films, his career spanned nearly 40 years and included memorable appearances in television series like Star Trek, The Flash, 24, and The Young and the Restless. Fatima noted that her husband was a dedicated professional who loved his craft.

“He was classically trained and always given great support by his fans. Ultimately, he gave his all because he loved his work. Many times he was told that he should have had a role he didn’t get. He still maintained his generosity of spirit,” she said. “The award shows look over many who should be honored. That’s on them.”

This year’s televised “In Memoriam” included stars like Maggie Smith, Michelle Trachtenberg, and George Wendt.

However, several notable figures, including Tony Todd, Hulk Hogan, and Jerry Adler, were omitted from the broadcast, though they appear on the Television Academy’s extended online list. Todd had also been left out of March’s Oscars “In Memoriam” segment, alongside other notable names, but they were listed on the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ official digital page.

Tony Todd passed away at the age of 69 on November 6. His death was widely mourned by fans and colleagues alike. Director Bernard Rose, who worked with Todd on Candyman, praised him at the time of his passing:

“Tony Todd was the natural heir of Vincent Price, Christopher Lee and Boris Karloff…. Like them, he was a classical theatre actor who never treated genre roles with anything less than total commitment. The fans loved him dearly for it, and his work will endure.”

Fatima Todd announced that a memorial for Tony will be held on November 8 at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills. “His funeral was private and I respect the fans enough to have closure on his passing,” she said.

It’s unfortunate that Tony Todd, who contributed so much to film and television, has been overlooked in high-profile tributes. He left a lasting legacy across genres, from horror to superhero series, and his work deserves recognition. What do you think about his omission from the Emmys “In Memoriam”? Share your thoughts in the comments.