Tony Todd’s Widow Slams Emmys for Leaving Star Trek and The Flash Star Out of ‘In Memoriam’

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

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

Best known for his iconic role as the Candyman, Todd had a career spanning nearly four decades with memorable roles in series such as Star Trek, The Flash, The Young and the Restless, and 24.

Fatima praised his dedication to his craft, saying, “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 added, “The award shows look over many who should be honored. That’s on them.”

This year’s Emmys segment included stars like Maggie Smith, Michelle Trachtenberg, and George Wendt, but Tony Todd, along with figures such as Hulk Hogan and Jerry Adler, were left out.

However, they are listed on the Television Academy’s extended online “In Memoriam” page. Todd was also excluded from the Oscars’ “In Memoriam” segment in March, though he appeared on the Academy’s online memorial page alongside other overlooked stars.

Tony Todd passed away at age 69 on November 6 at his home. His career was widely celebrated by colleagues and fans alike.

Bernard Rose, who directed Todd in 1992’s horror classic Candyman, told Entertainment Weekly 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 mentioned that fans will have a chance to honor Todd at a memorial on November 8 at the Fine Arts Theatre in Beverly Hills. She said, “His funeral was private and I respect the fans enough to have closure on his passing.”

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