T.K. Carter, a prolific actor with roles in television shows and feature films stretching over six decades, has died at the age of 69, his publicist confirmed Saturday.
Carter died Friday at his home in Duarte. The entertainment website TMZ reported that authorities responded to a call for service at the home at about 5:45 p.m. No foul play is suspected, but the cause of death has not been provided.
Born in New York, Carter moved west as a child and worked in standup comedy in the Los Angeles area. He started his acting career in the late 1970s, with roles on “Police Woman,” “Good Times” and “The Waltons,” and on the big screen in 1978’s “Corvette Summer.”
He appeared as Nauls, the rollerskating chef in director John Carpenter’s 1982 horror classic “The Thing.” Other notable film roles included 1985’s “Runaway Train,” 1990’s “Ski Patrol” and 1996’s “Space Jam.”
As his career progressed, Carter became a more ubiquitous face on the small screen, with roles on “Punky Brewster,” “Family Matters,” “A Different World,” “Moesha,” “The Nanny,” “NYPD Blue” and “Dave,” among others.
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“T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres,” his publicist Tony Freeman said in a statement provided to City News Service. “He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.”
Carter is survived by his mother and children. Memorial details have not been released.