He made audiences laugh before most kids were even in middle school — starting stand-up at the age of 12.
Then Hollywood came calling, and he became a familiar face in homes across America, perhaps best remembered as Michael “Mike” Fulton on Punky Brewster.
Now, the spotlight has dimmed. Actor T.K. Carter, beloved for his roles in The Thing, and countless other films and shows, has passed away at 69.
Worked at Disneyland
Thomas Kent “T.K.” Carter, the versatile actor best known for his role as Nauls in John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic The Thing, has died at the age of 69.
Carter was found at his home in Duarte, California, Friday evening. No foul play is suspected, and a cause of death has not been released, his publicist, Tony Freeman, confirmed, according to media reports.
“T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres,” Freeman said in a statement.
“He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.”
Carter was born on December 18, 1956, in New York City and raised in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley. As a kid, Carter was a standout athlete, but his heart was always drawn to the stage. He acted in school plays, and when his mother, a beautician, went to work, she would sometimes leave him at film sets where he could spend hours watching movies being made.
Carter began performing stand-up at the young age of 12. But after his stand-up stint, Carter’s career didn’t have a clear path at first.
In a 1983 interview, he revealed that he worked a variety of jobs just to make ends meet — everything from a supermarket to Disneyland.
“I loved all the jobs that involved people,” he said. “I would always make ’em laugh.”
Breakthrough
Realizing he had a knack for making people laugh, he reached out to an agent who agreed to represent him. After a few auditions, Carter made his acting debut in 1976 on NBC’s crime drama Police Woman.
He quickly made a name for himself in both film and television. Carter’s breakthrough came as the roller-skating chef Nauls in The Thing, starring alongside Kurt Russell. He went on to appear in ABC’s sitcom Just Our Luck, and from 1984 to 1986, he had a recurring role as Michael “Mike” Fulton on NBC’s Punky Brewster.
He also voiced Monstar Nawt in the original 1996 Space Jam.
Over the years, Carter showcased his range in shows like Good Times, The Waltons, The Jeffersons, 227, Family Matters, The Steve Harvey Show, and Moesha. His film credits included Seems Like Old Times, Southern Comfort, Doctor Detroit, and Ski Patrol. More recently, he appeared in the 2020 film The Way Back starring Ben Affleck, 2022’s Fake Friends, and multiple episodes of the 2023 TV series The Company You Keep and Dave.
Jamie Foxx pays tribute
More than just a comedian, T.K. Carter became a familiar face in our living rooms and a part of our hearts through his TV roles. Many also overlook his incredible work as Gary on HBO’s The Corner — a performance that was truly flawless, a real chef’s kiss.
Hollywood is mourning the loss of Carter, who left such a mark on both comedy and drama.
Jamie Foxx posted a heartfelt tribute, calling Carter “a cornerstone of comedy”:
“Rest in power king, you were an inspiration to me and a lot of other comedians.”
Viola Davis also honored him on Instagram: “You were a hidden talent! An actor of unprecedented depth and…..a wonderful soul. You felt like family. I’m proud to have spent time with you…..rest well.”
Carter is survived by his mother and children, who have asked for privacy during this difficult time. No funeral or memorial details have been announced.
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