Veteran Actor T.K. Carter Dies at 69
DUARTE,Calif. – Veteran actor T.K. Carter,known for his roles in the horror film “The Thing” and the television series “Punky Brewster,” has died at the age of 69.
Carter was found unresponsive at his home in Duarte, California, on Friday evening, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a cause of death, but stated that no foul play was suspected.
born Thomas Kent Carter on December 18, 1956, in new York City, he was raised in Southern California. he began his career in stand-up comedy before transitioning to acting.
Carter gained recognition for his role as Nauls the cook in John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic, “The Thing.” He also had a recurring role on the 1980s sitcom “Punky Brewster.”
His other film credits include “Runaway Train” (1985), “Ski Patrol” (1990), and “Space Jam” (1996).
“T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres,” his publicist,Tony 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.”
[Image of T.K. Carter at the Tribeca Film Festival premiere of “The LA Riot” in 2005. Photo by Mary Altaffer/AP]