Thomas Carter (director) facts for kids

Thomas Colbert Carter (born July 17, 1953) is an American director, producer, and actor. He is well-known for directing movies like Swing Kids, Save the Last Dance, and Coach Carter. As an actor, he is famous for playing James "Hollywood" Hayward in the TV series The White Shadow.

About Thomas Carter

Thomas Carter was born on July 17, 1953, in Austin, Texas. He grew up in Smithville. After finishing high school, he went to Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. In 1974, he earned a degree in theater. Later, in 1992, Texas State University honored him with the "Distinguished Alumnus Award."

Thomas Carter's Career

Acting on Television

Thomas Carter started his career as an actor. He appeared in many TV shows and movies. Some of his early roles were in popular shows like M*A*S*H and Good Times. He was also a regular on the sitcom Szysznyk in 1977.

His most famous acting role was as James Hayward in The White Shadow. This show ran from 1978 to 1981. In the series, James Hayward was a smart but troubled teenager. He had to take care of his mom and younger brother.

Directing and Producing TV Shows

While acting on The White Shadow, Thomas Carter directed four episodes. This experience made him want to become a director. He then went on to direct and produce many TV show pilots. These included famous shows like St. Elsewhere (1982) and Miami Vice (1984).

He also helped create and produce Equal Justice (1990). This show featured a cast of different backgrounds. Carter wanted to see more diverse roles for African-American actors on television.

In 1995, Carter produced Under One Roof. This drama was about an African American family living in Seattle. It starred famous actors like James Earl Jones. The show explored the challenges and joys of a multi-generational family. Even though it only had six episodes, it received a lot of attention. Carter said it was important to show an African American family with such depth on TV.

He also directed episodes for other shows, including Fame and Remington Steele. He directed nine episodes of the police drama Hill Street Blues. From 2002 to 2004, he was an executive producer for the crime series Hack.

Directing Movies

Thomas Carter has directed several movies. Some of his well-known films include Swing Kids (1993) and Metro (1997). He also directed Save the Last Dance (2001) and Coach Carter (2005). In 2009, he directed the TV movie Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story. His most recent film was When the Game Stands Tall in 2014.

Awards and Recognition

Thomas Carter has won many awards for his work in television and film. In 1981, he won a DGA Award for directing Hill Street Blues. He has won three Emmy Awards. Two were for directing Equal Justice in 1990 and 1991. The third Emmy was for producing the TV movie Don King: Only in America in 1998. For Don King: Only in America, he also received a Peabody Award and a Broadcast Film Critics Award.

Filmography

As Director

• Swing Kids (1993)
• Metro (1997)
• Save the Last Dance (2001)
• Coach Carter (2005)
• Gifted Hands: The Ben Carson Story (2009)
• When the Game Stands Tall (2014)

Television Work

• The White Shadow (four episodes)
• M*A*S*H
• Lou Grant
• Hill Street Blues (nine episodes)
• Fame (three episodes)
• Miami Vice (episode #1 "Brother's Keeper")
• Hack (episodes: #1 "Pilot"; #2 "Favors")
• Roots (Part 3)
• Animal Kingdom (episode #12 "Karma")
• The Resident (episode #8 "Family Affair")
• SEAL Team (episode #32 "Prisoner's Dilemma")
• New Amsterdam (episode #20 "Preventable")

Movies as Actor

• The Monkey Hu$tle (1976) - Player
• Almost Summer (1978) - Dean Hampton
• Whose Life Is It Anyway? (1981) - Orderly John

See also

In Spanish: Thomas Carter para niños