Mr. T Talks New Doc and Reflects on His Career: 'Like Yesterday'

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Mr. T is taking a trip down memory lane — and for the legendary actor, wrestler and entertainer, some of his biggest career moments still feel like they happened yesterday.

The 74-year-old star recently sat down with TODAY to discuss his new documentary, Untold Mr. T: I Pity the Fool, while reflecting on the unlikely journey that transformed him from a Chicago kid into one of the most recognizable figures in pop culture.

The Netflix documentary, directed by Scott Weintrob, explores the life of Laurence Tureaud before he became known around the world simply as Mr. T. It follows his upbringing, work as a bouncer and bodyguard, rise to Hollywood fame and eventual status as a professional wrestling and television icon. The film premieres on Netflix September 8.

From “America’s Toughest Bouncer” to Hollywood

Mr. T's path to stardom was anything but conventional.

Before landing his breakthrough acting role, Tureaud worked as a bouncer and bodyguard. In 1980, he won NBC's America's Toughest Bouncer, a competition that helped put him on the radar of casting director Rhonda Young.

That opportunity eventually led to an audition with Sylvester Stallone for Rocky III. Mr. T was cast as Clubber Lang, the intimidating boxer who challenges Stallone's Rocky Balboa.

Looking back on that audition, Mr. T remembers how naturally the experience came together.

“We did ten pages of the script, we did improvisation, it was like yesterday,” he recalled.

The role became the defining breakthrough of his acting career. Rocky III introduced audiences to the phrase that would become permanently associated with him: “I pity the fool.”

Becoming BA Baracus

Just one year after Rocky III, Mr. T took on another career-defining role as Sergeant Bosco “B.A.” Baracus on The A-Team.

The character's distinctive appearance — including his trademark mohawk, gold chains and tough-guy attitude — helped make Mr. T a global celebrity.

The series premiered in 1983 and quickly became a television phenomenon, turning its cast into international stars. Mr. T's image soon appeared on everything from toys and lunchboxes to cereal and other merchandise.

His popularity also extended beyond entertainment. He became a prominent spokesperson for the “Just Say No” anti-drug campaign during the 1980s and was photographed with then-first lady Nancy Reagan at the White House.

A Wrestling Icon, Too

Mr. T's career didn't stop with acting.

In 1985, he became part of wrestling history when he teamed with Hulk Hogan at the first WrestleMania at Madison Square Garden. The event also featured celebrities including Muhammad Ali and Liberace, helping establish WrestleMania as a major crossover entertainment spectacle.

He was later inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2014, cementing his legacy in professional wrestling as well as television and film.

A Different Side of Mr. T

While fans may remember the gold chains, tough talk and larger-than-life persona, the new documentary also attempts to explore the man behind the character.

Mr. T has spoken extensively about his upbringing in Chicago, his mother and the values that shaped him. He has described his mother as one of the most important influences in his life and has emphasized faith, service and giving back.

However, ahead of the documentary's release, Mr. T has also publicly criticized parts of the film, saying he believes it focuses too heavily on his tough-guy image while overlooking his faith, philanthropy and other aspects of his life.

Despite his concerns, the documentary offers audiences a chance to revisit the extraordinary story behind one of entertainment's most recognizable personalities.

“Like Yesterday”

For Mr. T, the memories remain vivid.

From the audition that changed his life to his unforgettable performances in Rocky III and The A-Team, his journey has lasted decades — yet those early moments still feel remarkably close.

“I pity the fool” may be the phrase most people associate with Mr. T, but his career is a reminder that the man behind the catchphrase built a legacy that reached far beyond a single character.

Untold Mr. T: I Pity the Fool premieres globally on Netflix September 8, giving a new generation the opportunity to learn the story behind the icon.

Source: TODAY