Mr. T Explains That He ‘Self-Ordained’ Himself with His Moniker for a Very Specific Reason: ‘It’s Not a Play Thing’

Mr. T, the iconic actor and former professional wrestler, has opened up about the origin of his well-known name, emphasising its deep significance in an upcoming Netflix documentary titled *Untold Mr. T: I Pity The Fool*. The documentary reveals insights into Mr. T’s life and the choices that led him to legally adopt his stage name at the age of 18.

In a candid conversation with *PEOPLE*, Mr. T shared the influences behind his decision to change from his birth name. Growing up as the second-youngest child in a household of 12 in Chicago, he was acutely aware of societal issues, especially concerning race. His father, uncles, and brothers faced profound disrespect, which deeply impacted Mr. T as he navigated his formative years.

In the documentary, Mr. T reflected on the racism he witnessed, particularly during his childhood. He recounted how his father was often referred to as “boy,” a term laden with derogatory implications. He also highlighted the struggles his brother faced upon returning from the Vietnam War, noting that he too was subjected to disrespectful treatment. This upbringing played a crucial role in shaping Mr. T’s identity.

At the age of 18, Mr. T determined it was time to assert his identity more forcefully. He self-ordained himself as “Mr. T,” believing that introducing himself in this manner would ensure that others addressed him with respect. “The first word out of everybody’s mouth would be ‘Mister,’” he explained. This title, to him, signified not only personal dignity but also acknowledged the struggles of other Black men who had faced similar disrespect throughout history.

Mr. T made his name change official in 1970, correlating it with a broader understanding of his societal context. “When you’re old enough to be drafted into the army, you got to go register. So I said, ‘If I’m old enough to be in the army, old enough to fight and die for my country, I’m old enough to be called a man,’” he recalled. It was a moment of empowerment for him, akin to how knights in England receive their titles.

During an appearance on *The Late Show with David Letterman*, Mr. T encountered the scepticism many have faced when adopting a new name. Letterman pressed for his “real name,” to which Mr. T smartly replied that his first name was “Mister,” with the middle name being a punctuation mark. He then produced his driver’s licence as proof, highlighting that his name was official and not just a whimsical choice for his celebrity persona.

“My driver’s licence says Mr. T. It’s not a nickname,” he insisted in the interview with *PEOPLE*. He elaborated that all legal documents, including his passport and tax records, recognise him as Mr. T, solidifying the name’s significance in his life.

Furthermore, Mr. T acknowledged that while not everyone respects his choice, it is important how he responses to the names used. “Some people don’t want to respect me. They try to be cute, call me the other name. But like my mother said, ‘Son, it’s not what they call you. It’s what you respond to,’” he noted, emphasising the importance of self-identification in the face of cultural disrespect.

He concluded his narrative with a powerful statement of self-affirmation: “I am Mr. T, so when you call me Mr. T, I respond to that. I don’t respond to the racial slur. I’m Mr. T. I’m a child of God.” He recalls his experience being invited to the White House, where he was greeted with respect, further validating the significance of the name he adopted.

The new documentary, *Untold Mr. T: I Pity The Fool*, is set to premiere globally on Netflix on Tuesday, 8 September, offering viewers a chance to gain a deeper understanding of both the man and the values he represents through his chosen identity.