When was the last time you experienced as much joy as when you watched The A-Team as a child? It’s a thought-provoking question.
The documentary Mr. T: I Pity the Fool features many unforgettable moments that reflect on his iconic role as B.A. Baracus, the brilliant engineer, fighter, and beloved character from the series. Mr. T asserts that the show was designed to showcase his unique talents and charisma. His portrayal, combining toughness with warmth and humor, delivers a remarkable performance without excess, making his appeal clear, even if it might irritate George Peppard, who played Hannibal.
Now at the age of 74, Mr. T shows signs of aging but retains his captivating presence. He is seen in a dimly lit room, occasionally viewing archival footage of his career highlights and low points while dressed in a stars-and-stripes boiler suit and bandana. His charisma is undeniable, drawing viewers’ attention.
Mr. T has participated in very few interviews since his peak, yet the documentary features electrifying clips from that era, particularly a memorable and intense exchange with David Letterman. During this segment, he candidly describes his distinctive style, including his Mohawk haircut and feathered earrings which pay homage to his African Mandinka warrior roots. He explains that his gold chains symbolize the chains that once bound his ancestors and expresses his refusal to engage in roles that exploit Black culture, stating, “Give me the type of role you’d give Charlton Heston.” The audience reacts with laughter, sensing the weight of his message.
His journey to fame and fortune carries a quintessentially American narrative. Born Laurence Tureaud (spelled “Tero” throughout the documentary), he was one of twelve children raised by his loving mother, Willa Lee, in a Chicago housing project. He and his brothers dedicated themselves to physical fitness, and by age 15, he had developed an athletic physique.
He adopted the name Mr. T to ensure that people addressed him with respect, influenced by his father and brothers’ experiences of being called “Boy.” After a traumatic incident in which his mother was robbed, he sought out the perpetrators, hinting at a violent confrontation that reflects a rare moment of deviation from his otherwise disciplined life.
Initially working multiple manual jobs, his career transitioned to bodyguarding, eventually leading him to television. His big break came when Sylvester Stallone cast him as Clubber Lang in Rocky III. Arriving at the audition fully prepared and meeting all requirements, he captured the attention of audiences and critics alike, propelling him to stardom.
The success of The A-Team followed, bringing immense fame and commercial opportunities, along with the potential for ego inflation. However, in the mid-1990s, a cancer diagnosis and growing demands contributed to a decline in his visibility. Since then, Mr. T has embraced a life of faith, finding purpose in charitable endeavors and preaching.
This narrative is presented in the documentary, though Mr. T has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with its portrayal, claiming it is misleading. He clarifies that he voluntarily stepped back from the spotlight after achieving his goal of providing for his mother, who had always wished for a comfortable home. He recalls promising her a better life, to which she responded, “If that’s the Lord’s willing.”
Other grievances include the disproportionate focus on his former agent, Peter Young, whom he had to sue, while his pastor, Rev. Henry Hardy, receives less attention. There is also an absence of perspectives that counter the hardman stereotype often associated with him.
The documentary is relatively brief, running for 50 minutes, so some omissions are understandable. However, even without knowledge of Mr. T’s dissatisfaction, the focus on violent incidents feels peculiar, and misspelled names raise concerns about the research quality. The film seems eager to depict Mr. T as a problematic egomaniac. At best, it comes across as a rushed production; at worst, it perpetuates negative narratives about a Black man, revealing more about the filmmakers than the subject.
Mr. T: I Pity the Fool is currently streaming on Netflix.
