Veteran actor T.K. Carter, whose career spanned nearly five decades and included unforgettable roles in film and television, was found dead in his home in Duarte, California, on January 9, at the age of 69. Authorities reportedly discovered his body after responding to a welfare check at his residence, and while the official cause of death has not yet been released, there are no indications of foul play.
Born Thomas Kent Carter on December 18, 1956, in New York City and raised in Southern California, Carter became a familiar face to audiences through his versatility across genres. He first drew widespread attention for his portrayal of Nauls, the rollerskating cook in John Carpenter’s 1982 sci-fi horror classic The Thing.
Carter’s career was marked by a rare ability to move seamlessly between comedy, drama, and genre work. He endeared himself to television audiences as Mike Fulton on the beloved 1980s sitcom Punky Brewster and later delivered a powerful, Emmy-nominated performance as Gary McCullough in HBO’s critically acclaimed miniseries The Corner.
Beyond these standout roles, Carter appeared in a wide range of films including Southern Comfort, Doctor Detroit, and Space Jam, in which he voiced the character Nawt. His later television appearances included roles in The Steve Harvey Show, Everybody Hates Chris, How to Get Away With Murder, and the FXX comedy Dave.
Fans and colleagues alike have taken to social media to express their grief and celebrate Carter’s legacy.
Carter is survived by his wife, Janet Carter. As tributes continue to pour in, his contributions to film and television serve as a reminder of an actor whose work was as enduring as it was diverse.
