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Actor TK Carter, known for John Carpenter’s horror film “The Thing”, has died at the age of 69. According to his family and authorities, Carter died at his home in California after long-term health problems. The news caused great consternation among fans and companions, as Carter had been a fixture in the American film and television business for decades.
According to his older brother Harold, Carter had in the months before his death struggling with several serious illnesses.
These included, among other things, diabetes and persistent heart problems. This health strain had recently had a major impact on his everyday life, even if he was still perceived as a humorous and life-affirming person.
Health problems and finding the actor
The family asked police for a welfare check after not hearing from Carter for several days. The authorities were informed that the actor suffered from high blood pressure. Emergency services then drove to his home in Duarte, around 30 kilometers east of Los Angeles, where they were met by family members.
Inside the home, officers found TK Carter unresponsive. He was alone at the time he was found. It is unclear how long he had been in this condition. His family doctor agreed to sign the death certificate. However, an official cause of death is not yet available.
Family comments on death
According to his brother, Carter appeared to have a head injury when he was found and was lying next to a marble table. Whether this injury was related to his death is currently the subject of speculation. The family emphasized that they did not yet know the exact medical background.
Harold Carter remembered his brother as a person who lifted others up and made others laugh. He described him as warm-hearted, religious and deeply rooted in his spiritual beliefs. His faith played a central role for him and gave him support even in difficult times.
Career between cult films and television
TK Carter’s career began in the mid-1970s. He celebrated his big breakthrough in 1982 with “The Thing,” which is now considered a classic of the science fiction and horror genre. In the following decades, Carter appeared in numerous film productions, including “Runaway Train,” “Space Jam” and “Domino.”
He also remained present on television until the end. In 2023, he appeared in several episodes of the series “The Company You Keep” and was also seen in the Lil Dicky comedy series “Dave”. In doing so, shortly before his death, Carter demonstrated his continued relevance and versatility as an actor.