Actor Tony Todd Agreed To Use Real Bees On The Set of Candyman And Every Time He Got Stung He Would Receive $1,000 He Got Stung 23 Times

In the world of horror films, actors often face terrifying stunts—but few can match the real-life bravery of Tony Todd during the filming of the 1992 horror classic Candyman. Known for his chilling portrayal of the hook-handed killer, Todd went above and beyond to make the character as terrifying and authentic as possible—agreeing to perform scenes with real bees.

According to reports, the production team promised Todd $1,000 every time he got stung by the bees. It was a risky and painful deal, but Todd, committed to his craft, accepted without hesitation. Over the course of filming, the actor endured 23 bee stings, earning a total of $23,000—and quite a few scars along the way.

The decision to use real bees wasn’t just for shock value. Director Bernard Rose wanted the scenes to feel authentic, capturing the raw terror of being swarmed and stung. Todd’s willingness to work under these extreme conditions contributed to the film’s lasting impact and solidified his reputation as a fearless performer in the horror genre.

Beyond the money and physical pain, the story highlights Todd’s dedication and professionalism. While most actors would rely on special effects or protective props, Todd put himself directly in harm’s way for the sake of art—a testament to the lengths performers sometimes go to bring a character to life.

Today, the tale of Tony Todd and the real bees remains one of the most infamous behind-the-scenes stories in horror cinema, proving that sometimes, authenticity comes at a literal sting.