He started making people laugh at just 12, later becoming a familiar face in American homes—most memorably as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster and Nauls in John Carpenter’s The Thing.
Actor and comedian T.K. Carter has died at 69. He was found at his California home, with no foul play suspected, according to his publicist.
Born in 1956, Carter grew up in Southern California, worked various jobs—including Disneyland—while pursuing comedy, and landed his first TV role in 1976. His career spanned decades, with appearances in Good Times, The Jeffersons, Family Matters, Moesha, and films like Southern Comfort and Doctor Detroit. He also voiced Monstar Nawt in Space Jam and appeared in recent projects such as The Way Back.
Tributes poured in from Hollywood. Jamie Foxx called him “a cornerstone of comedy,” while Viola Davis praised his depth, talent, and kind spirit.
T.K. Carter leaves behind a legacy of laughter, versatility, and unforgettable performances.