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. Although Toy was on several episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, he was always under such heavy prosthetics and makeup that star Sarah Michelle Gellar had to be shown a photograph of him to recognize him out of character. He also played the Nosferatu-like vampire "The Prince of Lies" on the Angel episode "Why We Fight".

Toy was a series regular on the television sitcom Goodnight Burbank and in the first four seasons of the Emmy Award-winning series The Bay. He appeared in an episode of Into the Dark on Hulu and starred in movies Average Joe (2021) and Boogey-Man (2021).

Fan conventions
Toy was a regular guest at many comic and pop culture conventions and often shared panels and photo-ops with other Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel alumni. His fun-loving, personable and caring nature made him a fan favorite.

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 Gentlemen 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.'"Juliet Landau, who portrayed "Drusilla" on Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel: "'Camden was a beautiful soul, a beautiful friend, and a beautiful talent. From the first moment we met, I knew he was special. Under the visage of the monster he was made up to be, shined the kindest of spirits. He's been a gift in our lives. We will miss him greatly.'"Gregori J. Martin, producer of The Bay:"'Camden was always such a talent and joy to work with. It's no wonder he was such a fan favorite on The Bay. I am so grateful for the times I got to work with him and will certainly cherish those memories.'"Mark A. Altman, TV/Film writer/producer/author tweeted: "A GENTLEMAN & A SCHOLAR: Immensely saddened to hear about the passing of CAMDEN TOY. He was such a warm man who worked on several of my films and also was so sweet to my #Buffy loving family. He will be missed. If you can, please make a donation to @PanCA today in his memory!"

James C. Leary, who portrayed demon Clem on Buffy tweeted: The world lost a delightfully maniacal, abundantly kind, and overwhelmingly generous soul last night. I had the pleasure and privilege to travel the world, tread the boards, and sail the seas with @Camden_Toy and I shall cherish every moment. Rest easy.