T.K. Carter, Actor Known for ‘The Thing’ and ‘Punky Brewster’, Dies at 69

Thomas Kent “T.K.” Carter, the actor whose work spanned more than four decades in film and television, has died at the age of 69.

Carter was found deceased at his home in Duarte, California, on January 9, 2026. Local authorities reported there were no signs of foul play, and the cause of death has not been disclosed.

Born on December 18, 1956 in New York City, Carter began his acting career in the 1970s with guest appearances on popular television series such as Good Times, The Waltons and The Jeffersons.

Carter’s breakthrough film role came in John Carpenter’s 1982 cult classic The Thing, in which he portrayed Nauls, a resourceful member of the Antarctic research team who remains memorable to fans of the horror and science-fiction genres. The performance helped cement his presence in major motion pictures.

Over the course of his career, Carter appeared in a wide range of films across genres. He brought comedic flair to roles in Seems Like Old Times (1980), played the karaoke-singing Iceman in Ski Patrol (1990), and delivered memorable performances in Runaway Train (1985), Space Jam (1996), and Domino (2005). His filmography demonstrated his ability to move effortlessly between comedy, drama, action and genre cinema.

While many remember Carter for his feature film roles, he was also a familiar face on television. He portrayed schoolteacher Mike Fulton on the hit 1980s sitcom Punky Brewster and later appeared as T-Bone on The Steve Harvey Show. His television career included guest roles on series such as Hill Street Blues, Seinfeld, ER and NYPD Blue, showcasing his range and adaptability in episodic work.

Carter remained active in entertainment into the 2020s. His last released screen work included appearances in the 2023 sitcom Dave, where he appeared in five episodes, and the drama The Company You Keep, reflecting his enduring presence in both television and film up to the last years of his career.