T.K. Carter, the veteran character actor whom we here at INYIM Media grew up with and best knew for his role in the classic series Punky Brewster as Mike Fulton, has passed away at 69. There were also hit jammers like A Different World, The Sinbad Show, The Steve Harvey Show, and Diff’rent Strokes. He was also a prominent male voice character for the animated cartoons Jem & The Holograms and Turbo Teen.
(For added context: Carter also appeared in John Carpenter’s cult‑classic horror film The Thing in 1982, one of his earliest breakout roles.)
Also, for all you true 1980s/1990s knowledge‑knowers of TV pop culture zeitgeist, you’ll also remember and associate T.K. Carter with Saved by the Bell! Although he’s not primarily associated with the famous hit program, that’s because he played on the OG version of the initial show called Good Morning, Miss Bliss — where he played Mylo Williams, a maintenance supervisor.
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(He continued working steadily through the 2000s and 2010s, popping up in guest roles across network TV.)
T.K. Carter: Work History Timeline (Selected Highlights)
1970s
- Early TV appearances, including Police Woman and Good Times.
- Began building his reputation as a sharp comedic performer.
1980–1984
- Film roles start rolling in, including Seems Like Old Times (1980).
- 1982: Breakout film moment in John Carpenter’s The Thing as Nauls.
1984–1986
- Voice acting era kicks off with animated series like Turbo Teen.
- Steady sitcom guest spots across network TV.
1986–1988
- Lands recurring voice roles on Jem & The Holograms.
- Expands into more comedic supporting roles.
1987–1989
- Joins the original pre–Saved by the Bell series Good Morning, Miss Bliss as Mylo Williams.
1989–1993
- Major recognition as Mike Fulton on Punky Brewster — the role many of us grew up with.
1990s
- Pops up in hit jammers like A Different World, The Sinbad Show, The Steve Harvey Show, and Diff’rent Strokes.
- Becomes a familiar face across the entire 90s sitcom landscape.
2000s–2010s
- Keeps the momentum with guest roles on ER, NYPD Blue, Grey’s Anatomy, and more.
2020s
- Continued working in select projects and appearances until his passing.
Bon Voyage! R.I.P… Gone But Never‑Ever Forgotten. There was only one T.K. Carter — a comedic and dramatic actor who was the whole talented package.
We wanna hear from you. Drop your thoughts below and tell us your favorite T.K. Carter moment, memory, or role. Let’s honor a real one together.
