Actor Terry Carter, who starred in the original television series “Battlestar Galactica” and “McCloud” and the film “Foxy Brown,” has died.
Carter “died peacefully” at his New York City home on Tuesday, his website announced. No cause of death was revealed. He was 95 years old.
The website paid tribute to Carter and his groundbreaking career, remembering him as “one of the first black actors to appear regularly in a television comedy series.” The Brooklyn-born star, who began his decades-long career amid the civil rights movement, first gained television notoriety for his appearance on “The Phil Silvers Show” from 1955 to 1959.
For more than 90 episodes, Carter played the soldier. “Sugie” Sugarman in front of Silvers' sergeant. Ernie Bilko. Despite working for four years on the CBS sitcom, Carter's next major television role did not come until the NBC police drama “McCloud” aired in 1970. Carter played Sgt. Joe Broadhurst alongside Dennis Weaver's sassy Sam McCloud.
In addition to his television starring role, Carter notably originated the role of Colonel Saul Tigh in the original series “Battlestar Galactica,” which aired from 1978 to 1979 on ABC. Carter appeared alongside Richard Hatch, Dirk Benedict and Lorne Greene, among others.
Carter's television credits also included “Playhouse 90,” “Mr. Belvedere”, “227” and “The Policeman and the Boy”. He also appeared on the big screen during his career, appearing in minor roles in films such as “Parrish,” “Attraction,” “Brother on the Run,” “Foxy Brown,” and “Benji.”
Born to William and Mercedes DeCoste on Dec. 16, 1928, Carter pursued a career in entertainment after enlisting in the U.S. Merchant Marine, under which he traveled to Europe and parts of South America, according to his website . After time at sea, Carter returned to New York, where he worked at the Museum of Modern Art, which exposed him to a wealth of avant-garde foreign and independent films and sparked his interest in entertainment.
He attended Northeastern University to study law, but a growing interest in drama and theater derailed that path. After deciding to pursue acting full-time, under the mentorship of actor Howard da Silva, he adopted the surname Carter as his stage name.
Performances in theater productions including Greenwich Mews Theatre’s “Decision,” “Mrs. Patterson” and “Finian's Rainbow” at City Center Theater paved the way for Carter's career in media and genres.
Carter was also a director and producer and earned an Emmy nomination for directing an episode of “American Masters” about the life of jazz giant Duke Ellington. He also directed and produced “The Katherine Dunham Technique,” a project that offered a deep dive into the pioneering choreographer's teachings.
Carter served on the board of governors of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for two terms. He also founded the Council for Positive Images, a nonprofit organization dedicated to “improving intercultural and interethnic understanding through audiovisual communication.”
He is survived by his wife Etaferhu Zenebe-DeCoste, his children Miguel and Melinda, a granddaughter and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his former wives Anna DeCoste (married 1964-1990) and Beate Glatved DeCoste (married 1991-2006).
A private family memorial is planned.
