I pity the fool who hasn’t heard of Mr. T. This ’80s legend first appeared on television screens as B. A. Baracus, a breakout character and cult icon from the hit TV series The A-Team. This rough-and-tough persona, much loved by fans of the show, was a mechanical genius with a bad attitude, instantly recognised by his unique hairstyle, gold chains and iconic catchphrases.

The man behind the character, Laurence Turead, is one of America’s most adored cult figures. Starting his career as a bodyguard to the stars, Turead was then spotted by Sylvester Stallone while competing in NBC’s “America’s Toughest Bouncer” competition. Stallone offered him a small role in Rocky III that then developed into a central part as Clubber Lang, the film’s main antagonist. It was this debut performance that spawned Turead’s legendary catchphrase, “I pity the fool”, and led him to be cast in the role that would go on to define his career: B. A. Baracus.

Since the A-Team wrapped up in 1987, Turead has enjoyed premiere status as a beloved figure in American pop culture, making a name for himself as a professional wrestler, and continuing to appear regularly on television in various guises. His NBC cartoon series Mister T solidified his popularity, while appearances on shows such as Dancing with the Stars and BBC Three’s World’s Craziest Fools have ensured his continued relevance in the contemporary era.