Buffy the Vampire Slayer villain dead aged 68 following cancer battle

Buffy the Vampire Slayer star Camden Toy has died at the age of 68 after privately battling cancer.

Toy played some of the hit supernatural series' most iconic monsters.

The actor's partner Bethany Henderson revealed that Toy had been battling pancreatic cancer for the last two years.

His death was reported by friends on Facebook, who put together a Remembering Camden Toy page.

In a post on December 8, Henderson said: "For many reasons we were very hopeful for, at least, a longer and more fruitful time on planet Earth."

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She added: "Even the more recent challenges felt more like a hiccup in progress.

"Unfortunately, it looks like we’ve reached the end of the road with the doctor’s treatment. His condition has declined a lot in the last two months and tremendously in the last several days."

Henderson said Toy chose not to reveal his cancer diagnosis publicly "for many reasons."

"Unfortunately, this may be new and shocking news to many of his fans," she added.

"We both apologise for this and please know that he has appreciated you all so much, as have I."

Toy grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and moved to New York where he became one of the founding members of the Nada Theatre.

Later, he moved to Los Angeles, where he began starring on Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Toy completely transformed to play three of the show's villains: one of the Gentlemen in the 1999 Emmy Award nominated episode Hush from Season 4, the skin eating demon Gnarl from Season 7 Epside 3 Same Time, Same Place, and the recurring role of the all powerful Ubervamp, which also appears in Season 7.

He also appeared on the fifth season of Buffy's spin-off Angel as The Prince of Lies.

Since the actor was often in such heavy makeup, Buffy leading lady Sarah Michelle Gellar reportedly said she had never seen his real face until the producers showed her a photo (per The Sun).

His other roles included The Insider's Guide to Film School, The Bay, Average Joe and a voice role on Call of Duty: Vanguard.

Toy also served as a film editor on Zen Noir and a number of short films and worked on the editing staff of other projects.

The Hollywood star enjoyed meeting and talking with fans, as he frequented conventions.

He was also good friends with Hocus Pocus' Doug Jones, who is also known for transforming into his roles.