Actor T.K. Carter, known for 'The Thing' and 'Punky Brewster,' dies at 69
FILE - TK Carter attends the Chiller Theatre Expo Fall 2018 at Hilton Parsippany on October 27, 2018 in Parsippany, New Jersey. (Photo by Bobby Bank/Getty Images)
Thomas Kent "T.K." Carter, a veteran actor known for roles in the horror film "The Thing" and TV’s "Punky Brewster," has died.
He was 69 years old.
T.K. Carter’s death
What we know:
Carter died Friday evening after deputies responded to a call about an unresponsive male in Duarte, California, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.
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What we don't know:
Police haven’t released a cause of death or other details, but said no foul play was suspected.
T.K. Carter’s life and career
The backstory:
Carter was born Dec. 18, 1956, in New York City. He was raised in Southern California.
He began his career in stand-up comedy, and had been acting for years before a breakthrough role as Nauls the cook in John Carpenter's 1982 horror classic, "The Thing." He also had a recurring role in the 1980s sitcom "Punky Brewster."
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Other big-screen roles include "Runaway Train" in 1985, "Ski Patrol" in 1990 and "Space Jam" in 1996.
What they're saying:
"T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres," his publicist, Tony Freeman, said in a statement. "He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike."
The Source: This report includes information from The Associated Press.