- Actor Camden Toy has passed on
- He was best known as a character "villain" actor
- Toy was fighting a long battle with cancer
Sadly, there yet another big death to report before the end of year that has been full of loss in Tinsel Town. His representatives confirmed the tragic news, leaving the entertainment world in a state of grief.
Camden was a professional through and through
Just days before his untimely departure, Camden's partner, Bethany Henderson, shared an emotional update on Facebook about his diagnosis and the couple's hopeful yet challenging journey.
"He was diagnosed in February last year after months of mysterious pain. For many reasons we were very hopeful for, at least, a longer and more fruitful time on planet Earth. Even the more recent challenges felt more like a hiccup in progress. Unfortunately, it looks like we've reached the end of the road with the doctor's treatments," a Dec. 8 post from Henderson read.
"For many reasons we were very hopeful for, at least, a longer and more fruitful time on planet Earth," Henderson wrote. "Even the more recent challenges felt more like a hiccup in progress. Unfortunately, it looks like we've reached the end of the road with the doctor's treatments."
She continued, "His condition has declined a lot in the last 2 months and tremendously in the last several days. He chose, for many reasons, not to announce his illness publicly, and so, unfortunately, this may be new and shocking news to many of his fans. We both apologize for this and please know that he has appreciated you all so much, as have I!"
Despite the grim diagnosis, Camden's indomitable spirit saw him return to school to earn an MFA in screenwriting. With a creative fire that refused to be extinguished, he penned two TV shows, a feature film, and a graphic novel, aiming to leave a lasting imprint on the world.
On 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer,' Camden's unforgettable roles included the eerie "Gentleman," the fearsome "Turok-Han" vampire, and the creepy demon "Gnarl." His talent also extended to the Buffy spinoff, 'Angel,' where he showcased his versatility in 2004.
Juliet Landau, Camden's co-star on 'Buffy,' paid tribute to him as a "beautiful soul, a beautiful friend, and a beautiful talent." She fondly recalled their first meeting and the kindness that shone through his monstrous on-screen personas.
Camden's impressive career spanned beyond the Buffyverse, with appearances in 'Good Nite Burbank' and 'The Bay,' as well as film credits in 'Bedeviled' and 'Average Joe.' His best friend, Doug Jones, remembered him as a man of joy, intelligence, and warmth, whose friendship was a rare treasure in Hollywood.
His work in costume often meant that his very face went unrecognized. But his biggest fans could always spot him from a mile away, and Camden absolutely relished in the joy everybody got from seeing him in person.
Very few could elicit a response in Comic Cons the way Camden could!
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What a tragedy...
"Those who knew him, remember the kindness, the sweetness and his infectious smile, and great sense of humor. He relished in making people laugh," read an obituary for Toy that was published on Wednesday.
Camden Toy's legacy as an actor and a beautiful human being will undoubtedly live on, as we bid farewell to one of the most memorable faces in horror television. May he rest in peace.
