Laurence Tureaud was born in Chicago and reared in the projects, but I pity the fool who calls Mr. T by his birth name! Thanks to his strength of character and built body, the tenderhearted tough guy won a football scholarship to Prairie View A&M University; served in the Military Police Corps; helped city youth as a gym instructor; and was a club bouncer. If that’s not enough, the hardworking hunk was a bodyguard for actors Steve McQueen and LeVar Burton, pop stars Michael Jackson and Diana Ross, and the world-famous boxers Joe Frazier, Leon Spinks, and Muhammad Ali! When T won America’s Toughest Bouncer and the Games People Play competitions, he caught Hollywood’s attention and was cast as Clubber Lang in Rocky III (1982). The sporty sequel features Sylvester Stallone, Carl Weathers, Hulk Hogan, and Mr. T’s sweaty pecs! He definitely looked like a knockout in his big mohawk and little boxing trunks. No doubt, Mr. Man would love to go a couple of rounds with Mr T! In the years to come, the ebony actor starred in the road romp D.C. Cab (1983) and scored supporting roles in the James Bond parody Spy Hard (1996) and the crime comedy Inspector Gadget (1999). Mr. T conquered TV via the action series The A-Team (1983-1987). He also could be seen on T and T (1988-1990) and heard on the animated series Mister T (1983-1985). We just wish Laurence would have a reason to change his name from Mr. T to Mr. T&A!
