The entertainment world is in mourning following the death of actor and comedian T.K. Carter at the age of 69. The performer, whose real name was Thomas Kent, was found deceased at his home in Duarte, California.
A Career Spanning Decades and Genres
Carter enjoyed a prolific career that began in the mid-1970s. He made his on-screen debut in 1976 with a guest appearance on the NBC series Police Woman. Born in New York, he was raised in the Los Angeles area and started performing as a comedian from the remarkably young age of 12.
He is perhaps best remembered by audiences for two iconic but very different roles. In 1982, he starred as Nauls, the cook, in John Carpenter's classic horror film The Thing. Over a decade later, he lent his voice to the animated basketball comedy Space Jam (1996), starring alongside Michael Jordan and the Looney Tunes characters. Television fans will also fondly recall his role as Mike Fulton in the popular 1980s sitcom Punky Brewster.
Details Surrounding His Passing
According to reports from TMZ, a 9-1-1 call was placed at 5:42 PM on Friday, January 9, 2026. Emergency services responded to his home, where the actor was subsequently found dead. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has been contacted for official comment, but at this time, the specific cause of death has not been publicly released. Authorities have stated they do not suspect any foul play.
Fans and Colleagues Pay Tribute
News of Carter's passing prompted an immediate outpouring of grief and remembrance on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Fans shared their favourite memories of his work, highlighting the warmth and humour he brought to his roles.
One fan, Wicky, wrote a poignant message that captured the sentiment of many: ‘RIP Mr T.K Carter. You will be missed. You may have been Nauls in The Thing, but you will always be Cribbs to me.’ This tribute references his character in The Thing and his voice role as Cribbs in the PJs animated series, showcasing the diverse impact of his work.
The loss of T.K. Carter marks another sad moment in a year that has seen the passing of several notable figures from the world of film and entertainment. His legacy remains firmly intact through a body of work that brought laughter, tension, and joy to audiences across generations.
