‘The Thing’ Star T.K. Carter Dead at 69: Hollywood Mourns a Cult Film Legend
Hollywood is mourning the loss of veteran actor T.K. Carter, best known for his iconic role as Nauls in the 1982 horror-sci-fi classic The Thing. He was 69.
Sources confirmed to Media Take Out that Carter was found deceased Friday at his home in Duarte, California. Law enforcement responded to a call for service at approximately 5:42 p.m., and a death report was made at the scene. Authorities say no foul play is suspected.
At this time, Carter’s official cause of death has not been released.
A Career That Spanned Decades
T.K. Carter enjoyed a career that stretched nearly five decades, beginning in the mid-1970s and continuing into the 2020s. His breakout role came in John Carpenter’s The Thing, a cult classic that remains one of the most influential films in the horror and science-fiction genres.
From there, Carter became a familiar face across both film and television. His movie credits included 1985’s Runaway Train, 1996’s Space Jam, and 2005’s Domino, where he brought depth and personality to every role, no matter the size.
But television is where many fans truly grew up with him.
A Staple of ’80s and ’90s TV
Carter became a household name in the 1980s for his role as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster, appearing in more than two dozen episodes of the beloved sitcom. In the 1990s, he reached another generation as T-Bone on The Steve Harvey Show, earning praise for his humor and warmth.
He also appeared in the critically acclaimed 2000 HBO miniseries The Corner, a gritty drama about life in inner-city Baltimore. In August 2025, Carter reflected on that project during an appearance on “Live from the Green Room,”revealing that he had struggled just to land an audition. He shared that a close friend helped connect him with a manager, and “the stars aligned,” leading to one of the most meaningful roles of his career.
Even in his later years, Carter never stopped working. In 2023, he appeared in three episodes of The Company You Keep and five episodes of Lil Dicky’s hit series Dave, proving his longevity in an industry known for moving on quickly.
A Quiet Passing, A Loud Legacy
While Carter may not have always been in the headlines, his work left a lasting mark on film and television. From cult classics to family sitcoms and prestige dramas, his career reflected range, resilience, and a deep love for the craft.
Fans and fellow actors have begun sharing tributes online, remembering him not just for his performances, but for his professionalism and perseverance in an industry that can be unforgiving.
TK CARTER
Gone, But Never Forgotten
T.K. Carter’s death is a major loss for Hollywood, especially for fans of The Thing, classic television, and character-driven storytelling.
He may be gone, but his work will continue to live on across screens for generations to come.
Rest in peace, T.K. Carter.