Actor Thomas Kent Carter โ known professionally as T.K. Carter โ sadly passed away on Friday, January 9, at the age of 69. Carter was found dead at his home in Duarte, California. Although no cause of death has been confirmed publicly, there is no foul play suspected.
One of Carter’s most well known roles was playing Michael “Mike” Fulton in 24 episodes of season 2 of the NBC sitcom “Punky Brewster” from 1985 until 1986. Fulton was a “hip” and caring teacher who formed a bond with the eponymous Penelope “Punky” Brewster, played by Soleil Moon Frye.
Frye has recently taken to social media to pay a heartfelt tribute to Carter following his tragic passing.
Soleil Moon Frye Thanked T.K. Carter for His ‘Love’ and ‘Kindness’
Soleil Moon Frye took to her Instagram account to share her tribute to T.K. Carter with her 363,000 followers.
The post contained three photographs of Frye sharing the screen with Carter in “Punky Brewster.”
The caption on the post read: “One of our giants became an angel and may that angel surround us with his beautiful wings. TK Carter thank you, for your love, your kindness and your beautiful heart: always and forever beyond ๐๏ธ๐
@mrcarteryallย @cheriejohnson1975ย @amifosterdefriesย @caseyellison76ย Love love love you Xx.”
It was a beautifully worded post that tagged several of Frye and Carter’s fellow “Punky Brewster” stars: notably Cherie Johnson, Ami Foster, and Casey Ellison.
Frye’s Followers Joined in With the Tribute to Carter
GettySoleil Moon Frye’s followers replied in their droves with tributary words of shock, sympathy, and respect regarding T.K. Carter’s passing.
One such person was actor Seth Green, who commented with a lengthy response about what Carter meant to him. Green wrote, “Aw man. Love him. After the Challenger exploded there was a special episode that discussed it. His character was so passionate about manโs need to continue exploring space- it help me vocalize what I was feeling about the tragedy. Such a great actor.”
Another follower wrote, “No!!!!! I just started watching Punky again on peacock because it was my favorite show forever and ever, and I also told my kids today how much I loved that awesome teacherโฆ to come here and find out he is now gone? I am heartbroken.”
Someone else said, “His role on the show was always so special to me as a little boy watching, and now at 44, I am reminded again by his impact. You both were two inspirations for me. May he rest in light! โค๏ธ”
Finally, one user noted, “He was one of my favorite on the show. I am so sorry to hear this Soleil ๐ข.”
Carter’s other credits include roles on television and in movies. His small screen credits include the sitcom “Just Our Luck,” the sitcom “The Sinbad Show,” and the teen sitcom “Good Morning.” His big screen credits include 1978’s adventure comedy “Corvette Summer,” 1982’s sci-fi horror remake “The Thing,” and 1996’s live-action animated comedy “Space Jam” (per IMDb).
He will be missed. May he rest in eternal peace.
This is sad. I remember his role on Punky Brewster, The Thing and V mini series very fondly. May God lift his family, friends and fans all over the world. Rip Mr Carter ๐
Correction T.K. Carter was not on the V mini series. My apologies