Terry Carter, Pioneering Black Actor Known for 'Battlestar Galactica' and 'McCloud' Roles, Dies at 95

Terry Carter, a trailblazing actor who broke barriers as one of the first Black actors to have a regular role on a TV sitcom in the 1950s, died peacefully at his home in New York City on Tuesday, April 23, 2024. He was 95.

Born John Everett DeCoste in Brooklyn, New York in 1928, Carter had a prolific career spanning over six decades in television, film, and theater. He was best known for his roles as Sgt. Joe Broadhurst on the TV series 'McCloud' from 1970 to 1977 and as Colonel Tigh on the original 'Battlestar Galactica' series in 1978.

Carter's breakthrough came in 1955 when he was cast as Private Sugarman on 'The Phil Silvers Show,' making him one of the first Black actors to land a series-regular sitcom role. He appeared in 92 episodes of the show from 1955 to 1959.

In 1965, Carter made history again as the only Black actor to portray a G.I. in the World War II series 'Combat!'. From 1965 to 1968, he also became New England's first Black TV news anchor for WBZ-TV Eyewitness News in Boston.

Why this matters: Carter's pioneering roles helped pave the way for greater representation and diversity in the entertainment industry. His legacy as a boundary-breaking actor continues to inspire new generations of performers.

Throughout his career, Carter appeared in numerous films and TV shows, including the 1961 film adaptation of the Mildred Savage novel 'Parrish,' the 1970 TV movie 'Company of Killers,' and the 1974 blaxploitation classic 'Foxy Brown.' He also had memorable guest roles on shows like 'The Jeffersons,' 'Falcon Crest,' and '227.'

Beyond acting, Carter was a celebrated documentarian, producing and directing several programs for PBS. In 1988, he received an Emmy nomination for the TV musical documentary 'A Duke Named Ellington.' He also served on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Carter was married three times and is survived by his wife Etaferhu Zenebe-DeCoste, his two children, and a granddaughter. "Terry was a wonderful husband, father, and friend who will be deeply missed," his son Miguel Carter DeCoste told the New York Times. A private family memorial has been planned to honor Carter's life and legacy.

Key Takeaways

• Terry Carter, a pioneering Black actor, has died at 95 in 2024.
• Broke barriers as one of the first Black actors with TV sitcom role.
• Starred in 'McCloud,' 'Battlestar Galactica,' and other TV/film roles.
• Produced/directed documentaries, and served on TV/film academy boards.
• Survived by wife, children, and grandchild; private memorial planned.