T.K. Carter, the versatile comedian and actor whose career spanned more than five decades, has died at the age of 69. Carter was found dead in his Duarte, California home on Friday, January 9, 2026, after a call for service was made at 5:42 pm, according to reports from TMZ and The Independent. Authorities have stated that no foul play is suspected, though the official cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Born Thomas Kent Carter on December 18, 1956, in New York City and raised in Southern California, T.K. Carter’s journey into entertainment began in the mid-1970s. According to The Independent, he started with guest roles on popular television series such as Police Woman and Good Times. These early appearances would set the stage for a prolific career that saw Carter become a familiar face across both television and film.
Carter’s breakout role came in 1982 with John Carpenter’s cult horror classic The Thing. Cast as Nauls, the roller-skating cook at a remote Antarctic outpost, Carter starred alongside Kurt Russell and Keith David. The film, which follows a group of men hunted by a shape-shifting alien, has since become a staple of the sci-fi horror genre. As noted by TV Insider, Carter’s portrayal of Nauls was memorable not only for its humor but also for delivering one of the film’s most iconic lines: “Maybe we’re at war with Norway.” The makers of the documentary The Thing Expanded paid tribute to Carter, saying, “His portrayal of Outpost 31’s roller-skating chef de cuisine remains an indelible highlight of the film.”
Beyond The Thing, Carter’s filmography is a testament to his range and adaptability. He appeared in comedies such as Seems Like Old Times (1980) and Doctor Detroit (1983), action dramas like Southern Comfort (1981) and Runaway Train (1985), and family fare including Ski Patrol (1990), Space Jam (1996)—where he voiced the Monstar Nawt—and My Favorite Martian (1999). He also had roles in Domino (2005).
On the small screen, Carter was a fixture throughout the 1980s and 1990s. He played Michael “Mike” Fulton, an elementary schoolteacher, on the NBC series Punky Brewster, endearing himself to a generation of young viewers. He also starred in the short-lived ABC sitcom Just Our Luck as Shabu, a genie who shakes up the life of a TV weatherman. Additional roles included Mylo Williams, the maintenance worker on Good Morning, Miss Bliss—the precursor to Saved by the Bell—and Clarence Hull on The Sinbad Show. Carter’s television credits read like a who’s who of classic sitcoms: The Waltons, The Jeffersons, 227, Family Matters, Moesha, The Steve Harvey Show, The Nanny, and more. He also lent his voice to animated series such as The Transformers and Jem.
Perhaps one of Carter’s most lauded performances came in the 2000 HBO miniseries The Corner. He played Gary McCullough, a father struggling with substance abuse and the ravages of the Baltimore drug trade. The role was a departure from his comedic roots, showcasing a depth and vulnerability that drew praise from critics and audiences alike. The Boston Globe remarked that Carter “perfectly captures the gentleness and passivity that can be addiction’s easiest conquest.”
Carter himself acknowledged the difficulty he faced in landing the part. In an August 2025 appearance on the “Live From The Green Room” podcast, he reflected, “They finally gave me an audition to play Glen Plummer’s role, but I didn’t want it. But I was all or nothing. Tell them, ‘I am Gary. I am that guy!’ This role is me! One thing Eddie Murphy said was, ‘That boy got chops.’ They ain’t saying it just to say it.” Ultimately, Carter credited a manager and a bit of serendipity for helping him secure the role.
His later work included playing Herbert Brown, Bobby Brown’s father, in BET’s The Bobby Brown Story. Carter’s final acting credits came in 2023, with appearances in three episodes of The Company You Keep and five episodes of the FXX sitcom Dave, where he played the character Cliff, as reported by TMZ and TV Insider.
News of Carter’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues alike. Comedian Loni Love shared on X, “Sad to hear about the passing of my comedy brother TK… He was in the business for over 50 years... I’m glad we shared a good laugh last time we met... rest well TK.” Actor Shavar Ross recalled, “I met T.K. Carter when I was about 11 or 12 years old, shortly after I first came to California. As a young kid, I looked up to T.K. because seeing an African American actor starring in a major film meant a lot to me. I always felt he was headed for stardom.”
Fans echoed these sentiments, with one writing, “That brother was so funny. As a 90s baby this makes me sad for real,” and others remarking on his down-to-earth nature and the sheer breadth of his television appearances. “I literally couldn’t pin down a show because I’ve seen him on so many,” added another. “He will be missed severely.”
Carter is survived by his wife, Janet Carter. His legacy is one of laughter, resilience, and a willingness to tackle roles that challenged both himself and the audience. Whether skating through the paranoia of an Antarctic nightmare, guiding children as a beloved TV teacher, or embodying the struggles of addiction and redemption, T.K. Carter left an indelible mark on American entertainment.
As tributes continue to pour in, it’s clear that Carter’s impact reached far beyond the screen, touching the lives of those who watched him grow from a guest star in the 1970s to a mainstay of film and television for more than half a century.
