Tony Todd’s Widow Slams Emmys Over ‘In Memoriam’ Snub

Lead: Fatima Cortez Todd, widow of late horror icon Tony Todd, publicly condemned the Emmy Awards for omitting her husband from Sunday’s televised “In Memoriam” segment, calling the oversight “a failing” by the industry he served.

Nut Graf: The criticism highlights longstanding concerns over award-show tributes, as Todd’s extensive television résumé-from Star Trek to The Flash-went unacknowledged live, despite his passing from stomach cancer in November 2024 at age 69.

Emmy “In Memoriam” Exclusion

• Fatima Cortez Todd told Entertainment Weekly that Tony Todd’s significant body of TV work merited inclusion in the broadcast.
• The Television Academy defended its decision, citing time constraints and pointing fans to a fuller online memorial list.

Legacy of a Versatile Actor

• Best known as the titular “Candyman,” Todd also portrayed Zoom in The Flash, appeared in five Final Destination films, and voiced characters in Star Trek video games.
• His widow emphasized Todd’s dedication and positive spirit despite industry inequities during his career.

Industry Response and Wider Debate

• Todd’s name was similarly absent from the Oscars’ “In Memoriam” in March 2025, fueling criticism of selective recognition.
• Fans and colleagues on social media decried the pattern, noting that award-show segments often overlook widely loved performers.

Television Academy Statement

“Each year, both the Emmy Awards and the Creative Arts Emmys present an ‘In Memoriam’ video,” the Academy said, adding that an extended list of colleagues who passed away is published online due to broadcast time limitations.