Terry Carter, the renowned actor best known for his iconic roles as Colonel Tigh in the original ‘Battlestar Galactica’ and Sergeant Joe Broadhurst in ‘McCloud,’ passed away peacefully at his New York City residence, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking contributions to the entertainment industry. He was 95 years old.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Carter’s career spanned decades, during which he shattered racial barriers and paved the way for greater diversity on screen. His portrayal of Private Sugarman in ‘The Phil Silvers Show’ marked a significant milestone as one of the first regular Black characters in a television sitcom. In 1965, he made history again as the first Black TV anchor newscaster for WBZ-TV Eyewitness News in Boston, where he also served as the station’s drama and movie critic.
Carter’s transition to Hollywood brought him notable roles, including Detective Jaffie in the television movie ‘Company of Killers.’ However, it was his portrayal of Sergeant Joe Broadhurst in ‘McCloud’ from 1970 to 1977 that catapulted him to international recognition. Carter’s most iconic role came in 1978, when he joined the cast of ‘Battlestar Galactica’ as Colonel Tigh, second-in-command of the starship fleet. His performance in the series, as well as its 1978 film adaptation, left an indelible mark on science fiction fans worldwide.
Beyond his acting career, Carter made significant contributions to the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, serving two terms on its Board of Governors and playing an active role in the Documentary and Foreign Films Committees for the Oscars. He was also the recipient of a Los Angeles Emmy Award for his work on ‘K*I*D*S,’ a television miniseries exploring the struggles of multi-racial teenagers in America. Carter’s prolific career included producing and directing ‘Jazz Masters,’ a series of video portraits showcasing legendary jazz artists, and ‘A Duke Named Ellington,’ an award-winning documentary that celebrated the life and work of the jazz icon.
Terry Carter’s impact on the entertainment industry and his dedication to breaking down racial barriers will continue to inspire generations to come. He is survived by his wife Etaferhu Zenebe-DeCoste, his children, and extended family. A private family memorial has been planned to honor his memory.
