Tony Todd’s Widow Calls Out Emmys For Snubbing Legendary Actor During ‘In Memoriam’

Horror legend Tony Todd‘s widow, Fatima Cortez Todd, called out the Emmy Awards on Monday (Sept. 15) after he was snubbed from the televised “In Memoriam” segment on Sunday.

“Tony had a long list of TV credits, but he was not respected as much by the industry he gave his artistic life [to],” Fatima explained to Entertainment Weekly. Todd has television and film credits spanning four decades, including roles on Scream: The TV Series, five Final Destination films, including the latest installment, Bloodlines, 24, The Young and the Restless, and, of course, his notable role as Candyman in the 1992 classic.

Cortez Todd told the outlet, “The award shows look over many who should be honored. That’s on them.” Despite her late husband maintaining a positive attitude while being routinely snubbed, she praised his fans for their unwavering support.

“He was classically trained and always given great support by his fans,” she shared. “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.”

The veteran actor was also omitted from the “In Memoriam” segment during the Oscars back in March.

The Television Academy addressed the concern on its website with a statement.

“Every year, the Emmy Awards and the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremonies each present an In Memoriam video,” the Television Academy wrote. “Given only a few minutes to honor those who have passed, there is a limit on how many people can be acknowledged on the broadcasts. We’ve presented a more extensive video, listing the hundreds of names of television colleagues we’ve lost in the past year.”

Todd’s name was among those in the extended “In Memoriam” video.

The BAFTA Award-nominee died of natural causes at age 69 on Nov. 6, 2024.