Thelonious Capricornio or "T.C.", for short, is a sharp-dressing huckster friend of Marlon's who also befriends The Williamses, is always hitting on disinterested Dee, whom he also befriends later in the series. T.C. was played by actro Phill Lewis, who appeared in the short-lived 1991 CBS sitcom series Teech.
Character description[]
T.C., who has questionable past, allegedly having spent time in prison, now apparently makes a living as a huckster, and is initally presented on the series as one who is always trying to sell trinkets like wristwatches, gold necklaces, diamond rings from his often loud, ostentatious, flashy sportcoats, ala Willie "Dap" Sugar in the Good Times TV series.
Also known for his outlandish wardrobe tastes like Pops, it is not uncommon to see T.C. decked out suede suits, gold necklaces, fancy platform shoes, and diamond rings. He even has a gold tooth, which he displays everytime he smiles. His loud attire usually garners the barbs of Marlon and Shawn, who often poke fun at his wardrobe selection like Pops.
Having a reputation as a known huckster, T.C.'s quite a poker player, and very briefly owned Shawn's newsstand after beating Shawn in a wagered poker game in the Season 2 episode "The Sting" (episode #9, #22 overall), that Shawn only gets back when Pops, who's somewhat of a master poker player himeslf challenges T.C. to a game and beats him as he puts up his diner as a wager, T.C. still becomes a trusted friend of the Williamses, notably Shawn and Marlon and Dee, who he at times tries to hit on, as she always rebuffs his advances. T.C. temporarily lands a security guard job in the episode "The Ghetto Gourmets" in Season 2 (#18, #30 overall).