Star Trek guest star Tony Todd passes away at 69

Known to Star Trek fans as Kurn, a Klingon warrior, the son of Mogh, and the biological younger brother of Worf [Michael Dorn], Tony Todd passed away November 6 at the age of 69, just one month shy of his 70th birthday. His wife, Fatima, told The Hollywood Reporter that Todd died at their home in Marina del Ray, California after a long illness.

For as much as Todd was known to the Star Trek franchise, he was also a well-loved member of two horror franchises, Candyman and Final Destination. New Line Cinema paid tribute to the actor on its Instagram account, saying "the industry has lost a legend."

With his towering 6'5" height and deep baritone voice, Todd was an imposing figure onscreen and in audio, having over 245 credits according to IMDB with eleven projects in post-production.

Adding to this Star Trek credits, Todd also appeared in an episode of Star Trek: Voyager, "Prey," as a Hirogan Alpha, and even though he was well-known to Trekkies in his role of Kurn, one of his most spectacular performances came in an episode of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Todd played the role of an aged Jake Sisko in "the Visitor," the episode that one critic said "made Deep Space Nine so unforgettable." And one fan's comment on a Youtube video of the scene of Jake Sisko's death offers a heartfelt, emotional condolence with "Rest in peace, Tony. It was finally time to cut the cord."

Todd is survived by his wife and two children. We here at Red Shirts Always Die send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones. Rest in peace, Tony Todd.