T.K. Carter, best known for his roles in “The Thing” and “Space Jam,” has died. He was 69.
The beloved actor, whose full name was Thomas Kent Carter, was found dead at his home in Duarte, Calif., on Friday, according to TMZ.
Officers reportedly discovered Carter’s body around 5:40 p.m. after receiving a call to the residence.
Although no foul play was suspected, the actor’s cause of death has not yet been released.
The Post has reached out to Carter’s rep for comment.
Born in New York City on Dec. 18, 1956, Carter’s family later moved to Southern California and he grew up in the San Gabriel Valley.
After making guest appearances on popular shows like “Good Times,” “The Waltons” and “The Jeffersons” in the late 1970s, Carter was cast as Nauls in John Carpenter’s classic sci-fi horror film “The Thing” alongside Kurt Russell.
Following his breakout role in “The Thing,” Carter went on to become a main cast member on the popular NBC sitcom “Punky Brewster” as teacher Mike Fulton.
He joined the Soleil Moon Frye-led series during the finale of Season 1 in 1985 and remained until the end of Season 2 in 1986, starring in more than 20 episodes before his departure.
Some of Carter’s other notable TV projects included “Family Matters,” “A Different World” and “The Sinbad Show” in the early 1990s.
Then, in 1996, Carter was chosen to voice the Nerdluck alien Nawt in “Space Jam,” which starred Michael Jordan and Wayne Knight.
Alongside the basketball comedy’s other voice actors like Billy West (Bugs Bunny) and Danny DeVito (Swackhammer), Carter was one of the five Nerdluck aliens to transform into the monstrous Monstars and challenge Jordan’s team in the movie’s final act.
Fans have since rushed to social media to remember the late film and TV actor in the wake of his death.
“Rest in Paradise to sitcom/mini series OG Thomas Kent ‘T.K.’ Carter damned if he wasn’t on almost every TV show I watched over the course of 30 years,” one person wrote on X on Saturday.
“I literally couldn’t pin down a show because I’ve seen him on so many,” added another. “He will be missed severely.”
“Farewell to the fantastic T. K. Carter, always having a rough time, whether out in the Antarctic base of The Thing, John Carpenter’s awesome flick, or on maneuvers with the National Guard in The Siege, Walter Hill’s masterpiece,” commented a third fan. “He fared better on TV as the Mike of Punky Brewster.”
After “Space Jam” in 1996, Carter continued to make appearances in projects like “NYPD Blue,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “How to Get Away With Murder” and “The Way Back.”
The late star’s final acting credit was as Cliff in the FXX sitcom “Dave” in 2023.
He appeared in a recurring role across five episodes of the hit Lil Dicky show.
Carter is survived by his wife, Janet Carter.
