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.

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."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 his condolences, stating he appreciated his time traveling and work with Toy.

Filmography

Film +YearTitleRoleNotes1993The GeniusPatient1997FaithMailman2001BackgammonTV Announcer2005All Souls DayFresh Dead / Dead RaoulThe WorksJanitor2006The Videos 1989–2004King NothingMetallica video albumOutta SyncDogsbody2007Morning GloryLucky2008Trickery MimicryFarmer2009Immortally YoursHenryKliktMan / Clown2010CarniesPanuschBare KnucklesManager2011ChromeSkull: Laid to Rest 2Dr. KerrHard LoveRalphSebastianHomeless Man2012Big Bad BugsSydney Gerber2013Dark SplinterDonovan BraedenFeed MeAlbert2014Now HiringLord MenaceDisciplesThe Watcher2015A Blood StoryFrancis / Ferenc Nadasdy2016BedeviledTall Clown2021Boogey-ManThe ShapeAverage JoeLord Menace

Television YearTitleRoleNotes1999–2003Buffy the Vampire SlayerVarious roles6 episodes2004AngelPrince of LiesEpisode: "Why We Fight"2008The MentalistGamblerEpisode: "Red-Handed"2008–2009The Insider's Guide to Film SchoolProfessor Strauss4 episodes2010–2014The BayIgor Chambers14 episodes2011Goodnight BurbankYan Bobek6 episodes2016ShamelessPanEpisode: "A Yurt of One's Own"2017Monster School AnimationSecurity Officer ToyEpisode: "Welcome to Monster School"2019Into the DarkThe PranksterEpisode: "Uncanny Annie"

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