Beloved character actor T.K. Carter, best known for his role as Nauls in John Carpenter’s 1982 sci-fi horror classic The Thing, has died.

He was 69.

As reported by TMZ, the police confirmed that Carter was found at his home in Duarte, California, on Friday evening, January 9, following a welfare check.

However, there’s no sign of any foul play.

An official cause of death has not been released.

The actor’s career has spanned nearly five decades, highlighting his versatility across film and television.

His breakout role came as the resourceful cook Nauls in The Thing, starring opposite Kurt Russell. He became a household name as teacher Mike Fulton on the hit sitcom Punky Brewster and later as T-Bone on The Steve Harvey Show.

With his passing, there’s an immediate outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues online, who remembered him for his memorable performances and enduring screen presence.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Carter.

Tom Blyth is the actor people loved to see as the rom-com lead in People We Meet on Vacation, after his dark and broody aura in the cinema.

The 30-year-old actor, who made his mark as Dr. Snow in the Hunger Games prequel, was the playful, charismatic hero in the rom-com, and it won’t be the last fans see of him in this role.

Speaking to the press during the premiere of the movie, Blyth said, “I think I was just ready to do something fun. I’m ready to do something light.”

He elaborated on the shift in his career, saying, “I had done a lot of serious stuff back to back, and I was kind of ready to do something that was going to lift up my soul a little bit,” in conversation with Us Weekly.

Citing his inspirations for this role, he paid homage to the ‘80s classics – especially When Harry Met Sally, as well as You’ve Got Mail.

Blyth went on to say that it’s worthwhile to take a break from taking ourselves really seriously, adding that it’s important to “remind yourself that what we do for a living is playful and fun and a luxury and to lean into that, and lean into the love.”