Camden Toy

Camden Toy (May 31, 1955 – December 11, 2023) was an American actor, writer, film editor and psychotherapist. He was best known as a character actor, often under special effects prosthetic makeup. He had acted in over one hundred independent films, and several television roles. In later years, he returned to college to receive a Master of Arts in clinical psychology in order to provide counseling, focusing on people recovering from addiction. He also received a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing shortly before his death.

Early life Toy grew up in Pennsylvania, and his interest in the film industry was encouraged early on by his father, who worked as an actor and makeup artist.

Career After spending many years in regional theater companies, Toy became one of the founding members and artistic director of the Obie Award-winning Todo con Nada theatre in New York City.

After moving to Los Angeles, he appeared as one of the demonic Gentlemen in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer episode "Hush", consistently listed as one of the best and scariest episodes of the series. In fact, Toy won the role in the silent audition by creeping out series creator Joss Whedon so much with his improvisational miming that he declared, "I'm going to have nightmares now!" In season seven, he played the skin-eating demon Gnarl in "Same Time, Same Place", and had a recurring role of the "ubervamp" Turok-Han.

Death After a two-year private battle, Camden Toy died from pancreatic cancer at his home in Los Osos, California, on December 11, 2023.

Tributes Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar posted an image of Camden as a Gentleman with the caption "It was an honor #CamdenToy" on her Instagram account.

Doug Jones, fellow Gentlemen and Guillermo del Toro muse said:"To know Camden Toy is to love Camden Toy. We may have met on the set of Buffy as two hideous looking "Gentlemen," but that only sparked a dear friendship that would continue for twenty-four years. It's rare to find a man so joyful, smiley, smart, giggly, huggie, good at listening with his heart, and accessible always to anyone he knew, including his many fans. May he rest in God's peace."

James C. Leary, who portrayed demon Clem on Buffy, tweeted his condolences, stating he appreciated his time traveling and work with Toy.

Filmography

Film

Television