Actor Terry Carter who is best known for his roles in Battlestar and TV series McCloud has died on Tuesday at his NYC residence. He was 95.

In his decades-old career, the actor became one of the first Black actors to act in a regular role on a TV series, in the role of Private Sugarman on The Phil Silvers Show. He had a brief stint as a newscaster and film critic from 1965-1968.

Carter's major break in Hollywood came in the form of Company of Killers, where he plays Detective Jaffie. He rose to prominence with his portrayal of Sergeant Joe Broadhurst in the detective series McCloud from 1970 to 1977. He was also noted for his works in Battlestar Galatica sci-fi series (1978-79) and its film adaptation, written by Glen A Larson and directed by Richard A Colla in 1978.

Apart from his acting career, Carter had served two terms on the Board of Governors of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, and also on the Documentary Committee and the Foreign Films Committee for the Oscars.

He is survived by his wife, two children and granddaughter.