View gallery Image Credit: Getty Images T.K. Carter, the actor recognized for his performances in the horror movie The Thing and the TV series Punky Brewster, died on January 9, 2026. He was 69. Concerns about Carter's cause of death circulated after the news broke of his passing, as authorities found him deceased. Carter's publicist, Tony Freeman, confirmed the tragedy to The Hollywood Reporter in a statement. He said, "T.K. Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres. He brought laughter, truth and humanity to every role he touched.