T.K. Carter, the actor best known for his role as Nauls in the cult classic 1982 horror film The Thing, has died at the age of 69.
Authorities discovered Carter’s body Friday at his home in Duarte, California, following a welfare check, according to TMZ.
Police confirmed the call came in around 5:42 p.m., and a report of his death was filed.
Officials say there is no indication of foul play, and the cause of death has not yet been released.
Carter’s career spanned several decades, beginning in the mid-1970s, with memorable performances in films such as Runaway Train (1985), Space Jam (1996), and Domino (2005).
He also appeared on television, including recurring roles as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster in the 1980s and T-Bone on The Steve Harvey Show in the 1990s.
T.K. Carter, the actor best known for his role as Nauls in the cult classic 1982 horror film The Thing, has died at the age of 60; (pictured 2005)
Authorities discovered Carter’s body Friday at his home in Duarte, California, following a welfare check; (pictured in 1983’s Just Our Luck)
The versatile actor also starred in the 2000 miniseries The Corner, which he later reflected on in August 2025, revealing on Live from the Green Room that he initially struggled to even get an audition until a friend connected him with their manager.
He continued acting in recent years, appearing in three episodes of The Company You Keep and five episodes of Lil Dicky’s Dave in 2023.
News of his passing sparked an outpouring of tributes online.
One fan wrote on X, ‘Was a huge fan of his… sad to hear,’ while another added, ‘Rest in peace T-Bone.’
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