Tony Todd Biography

Fast Facts

• Took on the role of King Hedley in August Wilson's world premiere of his later award-winning playwright "King Hedley II․"
• Received a highly-regarded Helen Hayes nomination for his performance in Athol Fugard's "The Captain's Tiger․"
• Spent two years at the University of Connecticut before receiving a scholarship to attend the renowned Eugene O'Neill National Theatre Institute
• Was first discovered by Oliver Stone while performing his role in "Johnny Got His Gun" at West Bak Theatre, which would lead to a role in the Oscar-winning film "Platoon․"
• Quote: "(On his height) "Because I am so tall, my size works against me as well․ Especially in Hollywood․ There is a long list of actors who won't work with me because they don't want any one taller than them․""
• Quote: "(On attending the theater conservatory) "When I was in theater conservatory, it was the best time in my life․ We just ate, lived, and breathed theater․""
• Quote: "(On his movie roles) "I don't like being called by any particular character․ That to me is an insult as an actor․""
• Quote: "(On his roles) "It's very interesting that most of the roles I've gotten are grim, when I'm actually a very well-adjusted man and had a happy upbringing․ I guess there are some dark shadows somewhere in there, but I'm a big kid․""
• Recognized for his towering and menacing stature he exudes on screen
• Performed three different roles on the three Star Trek sequel TV series he appeared in as a Klingon, a human and an Alpha Hirogen hunter
• Teaches playwriting to high school students within the Hartford public school system
• Has appeared as the narrative voice in numerous film and TV trailers
• Appeared in the music video for Dave Matthews Band song "Gravedigger․"
• Stood in as Charlie Sheen's best man in his first two weddings