‘Space Jam’ Actor T.K. Carter Found Dead In Home After Welfare Check

T.K. Carter, the veteran character actor best known for his role as Nauls in John Carpenter’s cult-classic horror film "The Thing," has died at the age of 69. Beyond his mainstream roles, Carter earned critical praise for his dramatic work, particularly in HBO’s "The Corner," where he portrayed Gary McCullough. His versatility was evident throughout his career. He appeared in early films like "Corvette Summer" and "Seems Like Old Times," took on comedic turns in projects such as "Ski Patrol" and "Leapin’ Leprechauns," and lent his voice to animation, most memorably as Monstar Nawt in "Space Jam."

According to TMZ, authorities discovered Carter’s body on Friday at his home in Duarte, California, after a welfare check was requested. Police confirmed the call came in around 5:42 p.m., and a report of death was filed at the scene. Officials say there were no immediate signs of foul play, and Carter’s cause of death has not yet been released.

Carter’s career stretched across nearly five decades, beginning in the mid-1970s and touching almost every corner of film and television. While he remains especially beloved by horror fans for his turn as Nauls in "The Thing," his résumé extended far beyond the frozen tundra of Antarctica. He appeared in notable films including "Runaway Train," "Space Jam," and "Domino." On television, Carter became a familiar face in the 1980s and 1990s, landing recurring roles as Mike Fulton on "Punky Brewster" and later as T-Bone on "The Steve Harvey Show."

News of T.K. Carter’s death sparked an immediate wave of emotional reactions across X, with fans reflecting on his work, his impact, and the sense of loss felt by those who grew up watching him on screen.

Many users expressed shock and sadness over his passing at 69, with one fan writing that so many people “dying so young” has made them more aware of their own mortality. Others kept their messages simple but heartfelt, sharing prayers, broken-heart emojis, and messages of peace.

Several fans specifically referenced Carter’s memorable television roles, including his time on "Punky Brewster" and "The Steve Harvey Show," with one post noting, “That brother was so funny. As a ’90s baby this makes me sad for real.” Another wrote, “Rest Easy T.K. Carter,” while others remembered him from HBO’s "The Corner," calling the news “heartbreaking.”

In one of his most recent interviews before his death, Carter reflected on how his priorities had shifted later in life, explaining that while his drive wasn’t what it once was, his passion for the industry remained, just in a different form. “There’s a lot of big stuff happening,” Carter said at the time. “My drive for sure isn’t really like what it used to be, but more of behind the scenes and seeing if I can find new talent and be some sort of help to them.”

He spoke about wanting to uplift others, particularly through emerging platforms and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of creators understanding their own value. “I never sold out,” Carter said. “I knew my value. I knew I had value. I didn’t have to just do anything.”

Carter also shared a deeply personal message about perseverance, faith, and not allowing others to define your worth. “God creates commodities. It doesn’t create things that are worthless,” he said. “It’s the people who make you feel that you’re worthless, so you can’t accomplish what you’re supposed to accomplish with the gift that you gained.”

Reflecting on the obstacles he faced throughout his career, Carter acknowledged how easily dreams can be derailed by outside voices. “A lot of people could never get to the finish line because they had this vision and this goal and this dream,” he explained, noting that criticism and opposition, both verbal and physical, can stop people in their tracks.

Still, his message remained rooted in resilience. “You got to hang in,” Carter said. “It ain’t about what they said. We’re all trying to get to the finish line every day.”

Those words now read like a final reminder from Carter himself, a testament to the legacy he leaves behind.