T.K. Carter, the veteran American actor best known for his roles in The Thing and Space Jam, has died at the age of 69.
Carter was found dead at his home in Duarte, California, on Friday after authorities carried out a welfare check, according to reports. Police said the call was received at about 5:42 p.m., and officers later filed a death report. Officials noted that there were no signs of foul play, and his cause of death has not yet been made public.
The actor rose to prominence in the early 1980s after appearing as Nauls in John Carpenter’s cult-classic horror film The Thing (1982). His performance in the sci-fi thriller cemented his status as a respected character actor and opened the door to a long and varied career in film and television.
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Carter’s career spanned more than four decades, beginning in the mid-1970s. He appeared in notable films including Runaway Train (1985), Space Jam (1996), and Domino (2005). In Space Jam, he also lent his voice to the animated character Monstar Nawt, showcasing his versatility beyond live-action roles.
On television, Carter became a familiar face to audiences through recurring roles such as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster in the 1980s and T-Bone on The Steve Harvey Show in the 1990s. He also made guest appearances on popular series including A Different World, The Sinbad Show, and Good Morning, Miss Bliss.
One of his most acclaimed dramatic performances came in HBO’s miniseries The Corner (2000), where he portrayed Gary McCullough in a raw depiction of life in Baltimore’s drug-affected neighborhoods. In an interview in August 2025, Carter reflected on the role, revealing that he initially struggled to secure an audition until a friend helped connect him with the right representation.
Despite decades in the industry, Carter continued working well into his later years. In 2023, he appeared in multiple episodes of The Company You Keep and the hit series Dave, proving his enduring relevance in the streaming era.
Following news of his death, fans and colleagues paid tribute online. Many remembered him fondly for his memorable characters, with messages praising both his talent and lasting impact on film and television.
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