Actor T.K. Carter sadly passed away on Jan. 9 at his home in Duarte, Calif. At the time, there was no mention of his cause of death — but now, more details have been revealed.
In a report from TMZ, it was shared that a medical examiner ruled that Carter died from systolic heart failure. Atrial fibrillation and pulmonary hypertension were also factors. He was 69 years old.
T.K. Carter Suffered a Head Injury
Getty“The Thing” actor’s brother, Harold, also revealed that Carter suffered a head injury before he was found unresponsive and dead at the scene, TMZ reports. Harold added that his brother also battled significant health issues leading up to his death, including diabetes and persistent heart issues.
When news broke of Carter’s passing, it was reported by TMZ that there was no foul play suspected — which remains to be true at this time.
The “Space Jam” actor’s publicist, Tony Freeman, shared a heartfelt statement about the Hollywood star after he passed, remembering him for his kind heart and remarkable acting career, NPR reports.
“T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres,” Freeman said. “He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.”
Fellow actor Jamie Foxx also shared a tribute for Carter at the time of his death. “Rest in power king you were an inspiration to me and a lot of other comedians… please let us recognize TK Carter… a cornerstone of comedy…” he wrote on Instagram.
T.K. Carter’s Legacy
Carter began his career in entertainment at the age of 12 by performing stand-up comedy, USA Today reports. From there, he appeared in the 1982 film “The Thing,” launching him into even more success. He then landed roles in “Space Jam,” “The L.A. Riot Spectacular” and “Ski Patrol.” Carter’s recurring role in the hit sitcom “Punky Brewster” was also a notable success for him between 1984 and 1988.
Before his death, Carter opened up in a 2025 interview on the “Live From The Green Room” podcast about losing his wife, Sandra, to cancer, which he first announced on Instagram in January of that same year. The actor explained how losing the love of his life turned his whole world upside down.
“For eight years, I had to balance creativity with being supportive, and then in the middle of that, being able to remember my lines, stay focused as if nothing’s happening over here,” he explained. “The taking what’s happening over here and putting it into my performance while at the same time trying to remain normal in front of people. It don’t really work.”
Rest in peace Brother 🙏 praying 🙏 for your family as well
R.I.P. T.K