ABC’s (formerly Fox’s) 9-1-1 is unique among procedurals. Unlike most of its peers, its lens isn’t always pointed at the “traditional” first responders. Police Sergeant Athena Grant (Angela Bassett) may be a protagonist, but the show’s primary focus is the firefighters and paramedics of Los Angeles’ Station 118. By extension, the show’s many cameos are rarely the main focus of an episode.
Jenna Davis Plays a Frighteningly Good Bad Driver on 9-1-1. The mummified man in “Masks” is based on the true story of Elmer McCurdy, an outlaw who died in 1911.
Through a series of strange coincidences, his well-preserved corpse ended up in side shows and carnival attractions until 1976.
Narratively, “Masks” plays out like any other 9-1-1 episode. The 118 get to enjoy another peculiar Halloween night, and the audience goes along for the ride. The “primary” plot revolves around Henrietta “Hen” Wilson (Aisha Hinds) and her wife, Karen, disagreeing on her dedication to the job. Karen wants Hen to stay home and trick-or-treat with the family; Hen, however, wants to fulfill her role as 118’s paramedic.
“Masks” also presents a diverse smorgasbord of side stories. In the episode’s “B” plot, Evan “Buck” Buckley (Oliver Stark) and Howard “Chimney” Han (Kenneth Choi) set up a haunted house attraction that ends up being a bit too real. The station’s “mummy” is revealed to be the legitimate corpse of Billy Boils. Shortly thereafter, a series of minor mishaps convinces Buck that he’s been cursed by Billy.
Then, there’s the “C” plot. It starts with Athena teaching some disinterested teens about the dangers of drinking and driving, and horror fans may recognize one of the faces in that crowd. One of those teens, Brooke, is played by horror icon Jenna Davis. Unfortunately for Brooke, her harmless prank ends up angering Winston Pearson (Jack Impelizzeri) and kickstarting the episode’s final act.
Jenna Davis Is Best Known for Her Role in M3GAN. Athena Grant is shown doing a presentation for C.A.R.E. The educational program is an obvious nod to the real-life Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, which the Los Angeles Police Department launched in 1983. For those not on the horror bandwagon, Jenna Davis has been a rising star for over a decade. Her first “major” appearances, back when she was just eleven years old, saw her starring in various YouTube videos. During this period, she starred in the Chicken Girls web series. However, her “big break” came in 2022, when she was selected to voice the titular murderous robot in the first M3GAN film. That role, her first credited part in a theatrical film, has since become Davis’ defining part. In 2025, she reprised the role for M3GAN 2.0.
The Hidden Cameo in 9-1-1’s Halloween Episode That Shocked Fans — Even a Year Later
Halloween episodes always bring the chills, thrills, and unexpected twists. But in 9-1-1’s Season 7 Halloween special, fans were gifted a sneaky little Easter egg that most didn’t even notice until months after airing. We’re talking about a surprise cameo from a legendary horror icon—the kind that gives you goosebumps once you realize it was there all along.
So who was it? How did 9-1-1 pull it off? Why are fans still buzzing a whole year later? Let’s dive into the eerie brilliance of this unforgettable TV moment.
The Halloween Episode That Broke the Mold
When Was the Episode Released?
The Halloween episode aired on October 30, 2024, right in time to set the spooky mood. Titled “Trick or Trauma”, the episode promised chaos, costumes, and creepy surprises—and boy, did it deliver.
A Synopsis of “Trick or Trauma”
This installment featured a haunted house gone wrong, a freak accident during a corn maze, and an ominous 911 call from a seemingly abandoned asylum. Classic 9-1-1, but with a heavy horror twist.
How 9-1-1 Embraced Classic Horror Tropes
An Ode to the Golden Age of Horror
The writing team clearly had a blast incorporating elements from old-school slasher flicks, ghost stories, and creature features. Every scene felt like a mini homage to something chillingly familiar.
Set Design and Atmosphere
From foggy woods to eerie lighting inside a deserted hospital, the visual storytelling was on point. It looked like a set right out of The Shining or Halloween.
The Cameo Everyone Missed
Who Was the Horror Icon?
Wait for it… The surprise cameo was Tony Todd, best known as the terrifying Candyman from the classic 1992 film. That’s right—the Tony Todd was right there on your screen, and many didn’t realize it.
How Was He Hidden in Plain Sight?
Tony Todd appeared as a masked and mysterious janitor in the asylum scene. His voice was slightly altered, and the lighting obscured his face—but horror fans with sharp ears recognized that deep, spine-tingling baritone.
Fan Reactions a Year Later
Reddit Theories and TikTok Discoveries
A full year after the episode aired, fans on Reddit and TikTok started connecting the dots. One user posted a side-by-side voice comparison, and the comments exploded. “How did I miss this?” was the common reaction.
Tweets That Blew Up
The hashtag #911HalloweenCameo trended briefly when the discovery went viral. It was like uncovering a horror movie Easter egg in your favorite procedural drama.
Why This Cameo Was Genius
Cross-Genre Appeal
By including a figure like Tony Todd, 9-1-1 bridged the gap between horror fans and procedural drama lovers. It was subtle but effective.
Building a Cult Episode
This single cameo transformed the Halloween episode from just another seasonal special to a cult classic. People rewatch it just to spot the cameo.
Breaking Down the Scene
The Asylum Sequence Explained
In one of the episode’s final scenes, Buck and Hen investigate a reported disturbance in a shuttered mental health facility. They split up (classic horror move), and Buck encounters a janitor mopping in an empty hallway.
The Janitor’s Chilling Dialogue
The janitor says:
“Some things shouldn’t be disturbed… they remember.”
That cryptic line, paired with Tony Todd’s unmistakable delivery, sent shivers down spines—once fans realized who was behind the mop bucket.
Behind-the-Scenes Confirmation
Cast and Crew Comments
Months after the online buzz grew, Showrunner Tim Minear confirmed the cameo in an interview. He said:
“Tony was incredible. We wanted it to be a quiet nod to horror history—nothing flashy, just enough to reward observant viewers.”
Tony Todd Speaks Out
In a tweet, Tony Todd responded to the reveal with a cryptic:
“Even shadows have stories to tell…”
The Science of Subtlety in Storytelling
Why We Love Hidden Cameos
It’s the thrill of discovery. Like spotting a hidden Mickey at Disneyland or an Easter egg in a Marvel movie, we love feeling “in on the secret.”
Brain Chemistry and Surprise Moments
Surprise appearances trigger dopamine—the brain’s reward chemical. That’s why this reveal hit fans so hard, even a year later.
Other Cameos You Might Have Missed
9-1-1’s History of Celebrity Appearances
While not as hidden as Tony Todd, 9-1-1 has featured appearances from Angela Bassett’s real-life husband Courtney B. Vance and Greg Grunberg from Heroes fame.
Will There Be More Hidden Horror Icons?
Don’t be surprised if future holiday episodes bring more secret nods to genre royalty.
Why This Episode Still Matters
A Year Later, It Holds Up
Even rewatching now, the episode feels fresh. It’s paced tightly, delivers jump scares without being cheesy, and of course, has that legendary cameo.
A Lesson in Fan Engagement
By planting a subtle surprise and letting fans uncover it organically, 9-1-1 kept the conversation alive long after Halloween was over.
Final Thoughts — A Haunting Worth Remembering
One year later, 9-1-1’s Halloween episode still gives fans chills—not just for its spooky storyline, but for the sneaky genius of hiding a horror legend like Tony Todd in plain sight.
It’s a reminder that in TV, sometimes the most haunting things aren’t what scream at you—but what quietly whisper in the dark.
