‘The Thing’ Actor Was 69

T.Ok. Carter, the actor identified for the horror basic “The Thing” and the tv sequence “Punky Brewster,” has died. He was 69.

Carter died Friday at his dwelling in Duarte, Calif., the actor’s publicist Tony Freeman shared with Variety in an announcement. A explanation for demise was not disclosed, however no foul play is suspected.

“T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres,” said Freeman. “He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike.”

Carter made his skilled performing debut in 1976 on NBC’s “Police Woman” and went on to make visitor appearances on sequence such as “Quincy, M.E.” and “Good Times.” He appeared in a number of movies before his breakthrough function as Naul, the roller-skating chef, in John Carpenter’s 1982 horror movie “The Thing.” He later landed a recurring function as Mike Fulton on the sitcom “Punky Brewster,” showing from 1985 to 1986.

From 1993 to 1994, Carter performed Clarence Hull on “The Sinbad Show” for twenty-four episodes. In the 1996 unique “Space Jam,” he voiced the character Monstar Nawt.

Born Thomas Kent Carter on Dec. 18, 1956, in New York City, he was raised in Southern California’s San Gabriel Valley. He started performing stand-up comedy at an early age.

His further movie and tv credit embody “Just Our Luck,” “Turbo Teen,” “Runaway Train,” “The Steve Harvey Show,” “Jem,” “He’s My Girl,” “Good Morning, Miss Bliss,” “Ski Patrol,” “A Rage in Harlem,” “Family Matters,” “A Different World,” “What a Cartoon!,” “Rush Hour,” “The Corner,” “Domino,” “Everybody Hates Chris,” “How to Get Away With Murder,” “The L.A. Riot Spectacular,” “Saints & Sinners” and more.

Carter’s more latest roles included Russ in the 2020 movie “The Way Back,” starring Ben Affleck; Uncle Jimmy in 2022’s “Fake Friends”; Cliff in the comedy sequence “Dave”; and Pike in the crime present “The Company You Keep,” starring Milo Ventimiglia and Catherine Haena Kim.

Carter is survived by his mom and youngsters.