T.K. Carter, whose decades-long career included numerous incredible films, has passed away at the age of 69, TMZ reports. He was found dead in his California residence on Friday, January 9, after authorities responded to a call, with no foul play being suspected.
No cause of death has been released either.
T.K. Carter’s Legacy
Carter had a role in numerous projects, with John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic “The Thing” being considered his big break. He also appeared in 1985’s “Runaway Train,” 1996’s “Space Jam,” and 2005’s “Domino,” as well as television appearances as Mike Fulton on “Punky Brewster” along with T-Bone on “The Steve Harvey Show.” He also guest-starred on “Hill Street Blues,” “Seinfeld,” and “ER.”
More recently, Carter was in the ABC drama “The Company You Keep” along the FX comedy “Dave” in 2023.
Tributes Pour in for T.K. Carter
“Sad to hear about the passing of my comedy brother TK… He was in the business for over 50 years, winner of an Image award and known for his iconic roles in The Thing, Punky Brewster, The Corner, Southern Comfort, Doctor Detroit, Corvette Summer, and Dave and Just Our Luck. I’m glad we shared a good laugh last time we met.. rest well TK,” Comedian Loni Love posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“I met T.K. Carter when I was about eleven or twelve years old, shortly after I first came to California. Through my dad, I spent time on the set of Doctor Detroit, where T. K. was working alongside Dan Aykroyd. 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,” actor and director Shavar Ross said. “Over the years, T. K. and I became good friends, and we hung out together sometimes. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to his family, his friends, and everyone who loved and admired his work. He will always be remembered and respected.”
“We are utterly shocked and heartbroken to hear that The Thing cast member T.K. Carter (Nauls) has passed away at the age of 69. His portrayal of Outpost 31’s roller skating chef de cuisine remains an indelible highlight of the film. After all, he gets one of the most iconic lines: “Maybe we’re at war with Norway.” #RIP,” an account called “The Thing Expanded wrote.
“R.I.P. T.K. Carter. A staple in 80s cinema,” one fan commented.
“I literally couldn’t pin down a show because I’ve seen him on so many. He will be missed severely. Rest in power,” another person wrote.
I’m same but I think “the Thing” is my fav of his