Mr. T, the iconic star known for his roles in “Rocky III” and “The A-Team,” has shared insights into his journey through the entertainment industry, reflecting on the challenges he faced due to jealousy from peers. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Mr. T discussed his life experiences and the profound lessons learned along the way, which are explored in his new Netflix documentary, “Untold Mr. T: I Pity The Fool,” released on September 8.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Mr-T-Laurence-Tureaud-090226-1-d1272dd425ee4165ae5067614b8cad32.jpg)
The 74-year-old entertainer revealed that as he transitioned from the tough streets of Chicago to the glitz of Hollywood, he encountered significant backlash from those around him. “I’ve had to deal with a lot of jealousy,” he admitted, explaining that both black and white communities sometimes resented his success. “They said I was a flash in the pan, a one-hit wonder and all that.”
Mr. T remained steadfast in his belief that his success was a result of hard work rather than luck. He stated, “I worked hard to get to where I was. It wasn’t by accident. It was well planned.” This determination helped him to navigate the envy directed towards him. He expressed an understanding that his achievements might evoke feelings of inadequacy in others, saying, “Certain people I’ve never done anything to will hate me, because I am what they want to be.”
Throughout his career, Mr. T has endeavoured to use his platform to promote meaningful messages. His 1984 educational video, “Be Somebody or Be Somebody’s Fool,” serves as an example of his commitment to inspire young people. “If you’re not going to be somebody, anybody could play you,” he cautioned. He urged his audience to avoid the pitfalls of negativity and instead to focus on personal success.
The breaking point for Mr. T came when he became a high-profile bodyguard before winning the title of America’s Toughest Bouncer in 1980, a moment that caught the eye of Sylvester Stallone. This pivotal encounter led to his casting in the “Rocky” series, which marked the beginning of his storied career.
Despite the jealousy brewing around him during his time on “The A-Team,” Mr. T chose to adhere to the principles instilled in him during his upbringing. He recounted advice from his mother, who taught him the importance of responding to hate with love. “If you’re hating me, I’m going to love you in return,” he said, aligning himself with the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
His relationship with co-star George Peppard became a focal point during the series’ production, with Peppard expressing dissatisfaction with Mr. T’s rising prominence. Despite the challenges they faced on set, Mr. T resolved to handle the situation gracefully, stating, “I didn’t have to say or do anything bad about George Peppard…I’m telling kids to take the high road, so I’m going to take the high road.”
“I didn’t fight back,” he continued, when discussing how he dealt with Peppard’s animosity. “He had the problem. I didn’t have the problem. My Bible teaches me to love people.” This philosophy kept him grounded and focused on positivity amidst adversity.
Mr. T also faced criticism within the wrestling community, where some questioned the legitimacy of his success, alleging he had taken a shortcut. However, he reminded audiences of his extensive background in wrestling from his high school years. “They thought I was just a celebrity. So they hated, and I loved them,” he succinctly summarised his approach to handling detractors.
“Untold Mr. T: I Pity The Fool” not only chronicles his rise to fame but also explores the moral lessons he gathered along the way. The documentary encapsulates Mr. T’s belief in overcoming negativity through love and positivity, a message that resonates with audiences today.
As Mr. T continues to inspire others, he exemplifies how one can rise above jealousy and hatred, advocating for personal responsibility and optimism. The documentary on Netflix offers viewers a chance to reflect on these themes while celebrating the life of a truly remarkable entertainer.