MR. T

Mr. T: A Detailed Introduction

Personal Information

• Full Name: Laurence Tureaud

• Stage Name: Mr. T

• Date of Birth: May 21, 1952

• Age: 73 (as of 2025)

• Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, USA

• Ethnicity: African-American

• Family: Youngest of twelve children; father was a minister

• Education: Attended Dunbar Vocational High School; briefly attended Prairie View A&M University

• Height: 5'10" (178 cm)

• Social Media: 

Early Life and Career

Laurence Tureaud was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, one of twelve children in a family led by his mother after his father left when he was five years old. He attended Dunbar Vocational High School, excelling in football, wrestling, and martial arts, and became a citywide wrestling champion. After high school, he won a football scholarship to Prairie View A&M University in Texas, where he studied mathematics for one year before being expelled. In 1975, he enlisted in the United States Army and became the top trainee in his recruiting class, later joining the Military Police Corps .

Breakthrough in Entertainment

After leaving the Army, Tureaud became a nightclub bouncer in Chicago, where he developed his distinctive look—gold jewelry and a Mohawk hairstyle inspired by a Mandinka warrior after seeing a photo in National Geographic. He legally changed his name to "Mr. T" in 1970 to demand respect, reflecting his desire to be addressed with dignity . His reputation as a tough and charismatic figure led to a career as a celebrity bodyguard, protecting clients such as Steve McQueen, Diana Ross, and Muhammad Ali .

Mr. T's big break came in 1982 when he was cast as the antagonist Clubber Lang in Rocky III, delivering the iconic line, "I pity the fool!" This role catapulted him to fame and led to his starring role as Sgt. B.A. Baracus in the television series The A-Team (1983–1987), where he became a pop culture icon .

Wrestling and Other Ventures

In 1985, Mr. T entered the world of professional wrestling, partnering with Hulk Hogan at WrestleMania I. He continued to make appearances in the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) and later in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), including a boxing match against "Rowdy" Roddy Piper at WrestleMania 2 .

Beyond wrestling, Mr. T starred in his own animated series, Mister T, which aired from 1983 to 1985. He also released a rap album titled Mr. T's Commandments in 1984, promoting positive messages to children .

Health Challenges and Later Life

In 1995, Mr. T was diagnosed with T-cell lymphoma, a form of cancer. He underwent treatment and went into remission by 2001 . Since then, he has maintained a relatively low public profile, focusing on personal health and family life. In recent years, he has shared his journey of gratitude and faith, emphasizing the importance of living a life that reflects love and mercy .

Legacy

Mr. T remains a beloved figure in American pop culture, known for his tough-guy persona, distinctive style, and contributions to television, film, and wrestling. His legacy continues to inspire new generations, and he is celebrated for his resilience, faith, and commitment to positive values.