T.K. Carter, real name Thomas Kent Carter, the veteran actor known for roles in iconic films such as The Thing, Space Jam, and The Corner, has passed away. He was 69.
Carter was found deceased on Friday (Jan. 8) at his home in Duarte, California, according to TMZ. Law enforcement said a call for service came in around 5:42 p.m., and officers later filed a death report. Authorities do not suspect foul play.
A cause of death has not been released.
Born and raised in the United States, Carter built a career that stretched nearly five decades. He began working steadily in the mid-1970s, carving out space in film and television through persistence rather than hype.
His breakout role came with The Thing, now regarded as a cornerstone of sci-fi horror. Carter’s performance as Nauls helped ground the film’s paranoia and tension, earning the movie cult status across generations.
He followed that success with roles in several notable films. His credits include Runaway Train in 1985, Space Jam in 1996, and Tony Scott’s Domino in 2005. Each project reflected his range and adaptability.
Jamie Foxx Remembers Veteran Actor T.K. Carter After Passing Away At 69
Television also played a major role in Carter’s career. He appeared as Mike Fulton in more than two dozen episodes of Punky Brewster during the 1980s. In the 1990s, he portrayed T-Bone on The Steve Harvey Show, connecting with a new audience.
In 2000, Carter starred in HBO’s miniseries The Corner. During an August 2025 appearance on Live from the Green Room, he reflected on that role. He shared that securing an audition felt impossible until a close friend intervened. “The stars aligned,” he said.
Carter continued working well into his later years. In 2023, he appeared in three episodes of The Company You Keep and five episodes of Lil Dicky’s series Dave, reminding viewers of his steady presence.
Following news of his death, tributes poured in. Jamie Foxx honored Carter with a Facebook post on January 10, 2026. “Rest in power king,” Foxx wrote. “You were an inspiration to me and a lot of other comedians.” He added, “Please let us recognize T.K. Carter… a cornerstone of comedy.”
That sentiment echoed across social media. Colleagues and fans praised Carter’s generosity, humor, and resilience. His career never followed an easy path, yet his impact remained undeniable.
T.K. Carter leaves behind a body of work defined by depth, dignity, and staying power. His performances continue to resonate long after the screen goes dark.
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