Mr. T

Who Is Mr. T?

Mr. T, born Laurence Tureaud, is an American actor, professional wrestler, and television personality renowned for his distinctive style and commanding presence. Rising to prominence in the 1970s, Mr. T began his career as a bouncer and bodyguard in Chicago, where his imposing physique, iconic gold chains, and mohawk became his trademarks. His breakthrough came when Sylvester Stallone cast him as Clubber Lang, a rival boxer, in the 1982 film Rocky III. This role catapulted him into stardom and solidified his place in popular culture. Mr. T later became widely recognized for his role as B.A. Baracus in the hit television series The A-Team.

Early Life

Laurence Tureaud, widely known as Mr. T, was born on May 21, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the youngest of 12 children in a large family. His father, a minister, left the family when Tureaud was only five years old, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings. Tureaud developed a close bond with his mother, who played a significant role in guiding him through his youth and keeping him out of trouble.

Tureaud attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar Vocational Career Academy for high school, where he was known more for his athletic prowess than his academics. Though a frequent daydreamer, which led to average grades, he excelled in sports, becoming a football star and a three-time wrestling champion.

Upon graduating, Tureaud earned a scholarship to play football at Prairie View A&M University in Texas, where he initially pursued a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. However, his academic journey was cut short when he was expelled after just one year.

After leaving school, Tureaud enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a military policeman. Following his military service, he attempted to join the Green Bay Packers of the NFL, but a severe knee injury ended his football aspirations.

Celebrity Bodyguard

In the mid-1970s, Tureaud returned to Chicago, where he found work as a doorman. His experience as a military policeman quickly established him as one of Chicago’s most formidable and well-known bouncers. Ever the showman, Tureaud adopted a distinctive Mohawk hairstyle, inspired by a photograph of an African Mandinka warrior he had seen in National Geographic. He also began wearing an assortment of gold jewelry, which he famously claimed to have confiscated from unruly patrons. Additionally, Tureaud rebranded himself as “Mr. T,” explaining that the new name would demand respect from those who interacted with him.

Mr. T’s role as a bouncer at one of Chicago’s most popular nightclubs brought him into regular contact with celebrities, and his bold persona quickly earned him a new career as a celebrity bodyguard. Charging upwards of $3,000 per night, he began protecting high-profile clients such as Steve McQueen, Diana Ross, and Muhammad Ali. This high-demand role lasted nearly a decade, until a chance encounter with actor Sylvester Stallone in 1980 altered the trajectory of Mr. T’s career forever.

Big Break and Rise to Fame

Mr. T’s rise to stardom began after he was discovered in a televised bouncer competition. His imposing presence caught the attention of Sylvester Stallone, who cast him as Clubber Lang in Rocky III (1982). In the role of the aggressive and determined boxer pitted against Stallone’s Rocky Balboa, Mr. T coined his iconic catchphrase, “I pity the fool!” The film became a massive success, grossing over $125 million at the box office. Mr. T’s portrayal of the fierce antagonist captivated audiences, launching him into overnight fame.

Riding this newfound stardom, Mr. T secured a leading role in the 1983 comedy D.C. Cab, further cementing his place in Hollywood. He also starred in his own animated series, Mister T, where he led a team of young gymnasts fighting crime and solving mysteries.

His growing reputation as a role model for youth led Mr. T to focus on projects aimed at inspiring children. In 1984, he released Mr. T’s Commandments, a music album encouraging positive behavior among young listeners. He followed this success with the motivational video Be Somebody… or Be Somebody’s Fool!, promoting responsible decision-making for children.

In 1985, Mr. T took on the role of Sgt. Bosco “B.A.” Baracus in The A-Team, a hit television series about four Vietnam veterans framed for a crime. The show’s success relied heavily on Mr. T’s larger-than-life persona, making him a household name. Around the same time, he entered the world of professional wrestling, partnering with Hulk Hogan in the inaugural WrestleMania I. His association with the WWE further expanded his fan base, and he soon starred in the TV series T. and T., which ran for three seasons.

Illness and Personal Life

By the early 1990s, Mr. T’s fame began to wane, largely due to health challenges. In 1995, he was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of cancer. During his recovery, he stepped away from the limelight, focusing on regaining his health and only making sporadic appearances in commercials.

As his health improved, Mr. T made a return to acting. In 1999, he had a cameo in the family comedy Inspector Gadget, followed by appearances in Not Another Teen Movie and Judgment in 2001. That same year, at age 49, Mr. T went into remission. He later returned to television with the reality show I Pity the Fool in 2006, where he traveled across the U.S. offering advice and helping people resolve their personal challenges. The show aired for six episodes.

In 2015, Mr. T took on a new venture with the home renovation series I Pity the Tool, which aired on the DIY Network.

Today, Mr. T continues to make occasional television appearances while balancing time between his homes in Chicago, Illinois, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. He shares three children with his ex-wife, Phyllis Clark.