Mr T, one of the most recognisable faces of 1980s pop culture, made a rare public appearance over the weekend as he attended the funeral of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson in Chicago, and fans were quick to notice how much the beloved star has changed over the years.
The actor and television personality, now 73, was photographed greeting fellow mourners as he arrived to pay his respects. Dressed in a striking stars-and-stripes outfit, complete with an American flag bandana and layered gold chains, Mr T’s look was unmistakably reminiscent of the bold style that first made him famous decades ago.
However, many fans remarked that the star looked noticeably different from his heyday in the 1980s, when his distinctive mohawk haircut, muscular build and signature jewellery helped make him one of the most instantly recognisable celebrities in the world.
© Getty ImagesDespite the passing years, the Chicago-born star still carried the unmistakable presence that helped launch his extraordinary career.
Born Laurence Tureaud in 1952, Mr T grew up in Chicago and was the youngest of 12 children. Before entering the entertainment industry, he worked a variety of jobs, including serving in the US Army’s Military Police Corps.
© Getty ImagesAfter leaving the military, he built an unusual career as a bodyguard for high-profile clients. His imposing physique and intimidating look made him a popular choice for protecting celebrities and wealthy clients.
It was during this period that he adopted the name ‘Mr T’, explaining that he chose it as a way to command respect.
“So when I was 18 years old, when I was old enough to vote, I said I was old enough to be called a man. I self-ordained myself Mr. T so the first word out of everybody’s mouth is ‘Mr’, ” he told Playboy.
© Ron Galella Collection via GettyHis distinctive appearance, including the mohawk inspired by Mandinka warriors of West Africa and the heavy gold chains he wore around his neck, soon made him stand out wherever he went.
His big break came in 1982 when actor Sylvester Stallone spotted him on the television competition show America’s Toughest Bouncer and was immediately impressed by his presence.
Sylvester cast him as the formidable boxer Clubber Lang in Rocky III, a role that catapulted Mr T into international fame.
His unforgettable line, “I pity the fool,” quickly became one of the most iconic catchphrases in movie history.
© Eric RobertJust a year later, Mr T became a household name thanks to his starring role as B.A. Baracus in the hit action series The A-Team, which ran from 1983 to 1987. The show became a global phenomenon, cementing his status as one of the decade’s biggest television stars.
Throughout the 1980s, Mr T was everywhere, starring in films, cartoons, advertisements and even launching his own animated series, Mister T.
He also became a cultural icon thanks to his flamboyant style and larger-than-life personality.
In later years, the star stepped back from the spotlight and spoke openly about his faith, personal life and health challenges, including a battle with a rare T-cell lymphoma cancer in the mid-1990s. “Can you imagine that?!,” he said, according to Coping with Cancer magazine. “Cancer with my name on it personalized cancer.”
“I have grown into a cancer fighter. I am a soldier, a veteran at that,” Mr. T shared. “Cancer wants to fight me again. I am not afraid this time. Fighting cancer for the third time, can I still believe in God? Yes, I can, and stronger than before.”
