The entertainment world mourns the loss of Terry Carter, a trailblazing actor who left an indelible imprint on television and film.
Deadline reported that Carter, renowned for his pivotal roles in "McCloud" and "Battlestar Galactica," has died at the age of 95.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Carter's journey into the world of acting began with his role as Private Sugarman on "The Phil Silvers Show," a seminal position that marked him as one of the first Black actors to be a regular on a TV sitcom. This ground-breaking period spanned from 1955 to 1959.
After his success on the sitcom, Carter's career took a significant turn as he ventured into journalism, becoming New England's first Black TV anchor newscaster at WBZ-TV Eyewitness News in Boston. His tenure there lasted from 1965 to 1968, during which he also critiqued films and drama.
Transitioning back to acting, Carter took on a variety of significant roles throughout the 1970s. His portrayal of Detective Jaffie in "Company of Killers" was followed by two iconic television roles. as Sergeant Joe Broadhurst in "McCloud" from 1970 to 1977 and as Colonel Tigh in the original "Battlestar Galactica" series from 1978 to 1979.
In recognition of his profound impact on the industry, Carter was elected to the Board of Governors of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences in 1980, where he served two terms. Additionally, he was inducted into the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in 1983, contributing to the Documentary Committee and the Foreign Films Committee.
Carter's creative talents extended beyond acting into the realms of producing and directing. In 1985, he was awarded a Los Angeles Emmy Award for his work on the TV miniseries "K*I*D*S," which he created, produced, and directed. His directorial prowess was further displayed in "Jazz Masters," a series for TV2 Denmark highlighting twelve jazz luminaries.
Continuing his exploration of cultural themes, Carter produced and directed the Emmy-nominated musical documentary "A Duke Named Ellington" in 1988. This endeavor showcased his capacity to seamlessly blend entertainment with educational content, enriching viewers' understanding of jazz legend Duke Ellington.
This multifaceted artist passed away peacefully at his home in New York City on a Tuesday, confirmed by his son to The New York Times. His legacy is celebrated by his wife Etaferhu Zenebe-DeCoste, his two children, his stepdaughter, a granddaughter, and numerous cousins.
Over the years, Carter experienced significant personal losses, having been widowed twice. He was married to Anna DeCoste from 1964 until her passing in 1990, and then to Beate Glatved DeCoste from 1991 until her death in 2006. Through the highs and lows, his family and his work remained central pillars in his life.
The acting world and his fans will remember Terry Carter not just for his roles on screen, but for his barrier-breaking contributions to racial diversity in the arts and his lasting influence on the fields of television and film.
In conclusion, Terry Carter's death marks the end of an era in American television and film. His pioneering roles, coupled with his contributions to the arts academies and his ventures into production and directing, leave an unforgettable legacy. His work not only broke cultural barriers but also enriched the entertainment industry profoundly.
