Tony Todd, best known for his iconic portrayal of the Candyman in the 1992 horror classic Candyman. There’s no connection to a brand or wellness figure called “the bees candy man,” but I believe you’re referencing Todd’s infamous bee scene—which earned him quite a buzz (pun intended)!
Tony Todd & the Bees in Candyman
Tony Todd (Anthony Tiran Todd, December 4, 1954 – November 6, 2024) was an American actor celebrated for his deep, resonant voice and commanding screen presence in horror classics like Candyman, The Crow, and Final Destination, as well as numerous TV and voice roles
One of the most memorable elements of his role as Candyman was the scene where real honeybees emerge from his mouth—a chilling and unforgettable moment in horror cinema.
The Sting—$1,000 Per Bee
- More than 200,000 real honeybees were used during filming, and all crew wore protective suits—but stings still happened
- Todd negotiated a $1,000 bonus per bee sting in his contract. He was stung 23 times, earning an additional $23,000 on top of his salary
- In interviews, Todd recounted: “The bees were the worst nemesis… I had a great lawyer at the time and we got paid,” adding, “I’m going like, ‘Bring it on!’”
This unforgettable “bee clause” and his notorious performance cemented his legacy as a horror icon.
Quick Snapshot
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Actor | Tony Todd (1954–2024) |
| Notable Role | Candyman (1992), among other films and TV appearances |
| Bee Scene | Real honeybees used; Todd stung 23 times |
| Bonus Clause | $1,000 per sting → $23,000 total extra payout |
| Quote | “Bring it on!” — embracing the challenge with a sense of humor |
