Carter was declared dead on Friday evening after deputies responded to a call regarding an unresponsive male in Duarte, California, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Police did not disclose a cause of death or other details, but said no foul play was suspected.
Thomas Kent "TK" Carter was born on December 18, 1956, in New York City and was raised in Southern California.
He began his career in stand-up comedy and with acting roles.
Carter had been acting for years before a breakthrough role as Nauls the cook in John Carpenter's 1982 horror classic, The Thing.
He also had a recurring role in the 1980s sitcom Punky Brewster.
His other big-screen roles included Runaway Train in 1985, Ski Patrol in 1990 and Space Jam in 1996.
"TK Carter was a consummate professional and a genuine soul whose talent transcended genres," his publicist, Tony Freeman, said in a statement.
"He brought laughter, truth, and humanity to every role he touched.
"His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and fans alike."
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