Beloved character actor T.K. Carter, whose career spanned five decades and included memorable roles in the horror classic 'The Thing' and the family sitcom 'Punky Brewster,' has died. He was 69 years old.
Details Surrounding His Death
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Carter was declared dead on the evening of Friday, January 10, 2026. Deputies had responded to a call about an unresponsive male at a location in Duarte, California. Authorities have stated they do not suspect foul play in his passing, though an official cause of death has not been released to the public.
A Prolific Career in Film and Television
Born Thomas Kent Carter in New York City on December 18, 1956, Carter was raised near Los Angeles. His entertainment career began early, with stand-up comedy performances at famed venues like the Comedy Store while he was still a child.
His first television appearance came in 1976 on an episode of 'Police Woman.' He quickly became a familiar face on popular 1970s shows, landing guest spots on series including:
- Good Times
- The Waltons
- The Jeffersons
Carter's big break arrived in 1982 when he was cast as Nauls, the resourceful cook, in John Carpenter's iconic sci-fi horror film 'The Thing.' The film has since achieved cult status and is considered a masterpiece of the genre.
Television audiences in the 1980s knew him best as Mike Fulton, the friendly teacher on the NBC sitcom 'Punky Brewster,' starring Soleil Moon Frye. His first recurring TV role was as Shabu, a 3,000-year-old genie, in the short-lived ABC series 'Just Our Luck.'
Lasting Legacy and Final Roles
Carter's filmography was diverse. He appeared in the 1985 drama 'Runaway Train,' the 1990 comedy 'Ski Patrol,' and even had a role in the 1996 live-action/animation hybrid 'Space Jam.'
His most recent work was in 2023, with appearances on five episodes of the FXX comedy 'Dave' and three episodes of the ABC drama 'The Company You Keep.'
News of his passing prompted tributes from colleagues and fans. Fellow actor Shavar Ross, known for 'Diff’rent Strokes,' shared a heartfelt memory on social media platform X. Ross recalled meeting Carter as a child on the set of 'Doctor Detroit' and looking up to him as an inspiring African American actor in a major film, believing Carter was destined for stardom.
T.K. Carter's death marks the loss of a versatile performer whose work brought joy, suspense, and laughter to audiences for generations.
