One of the most recognizable pop-culture figures of the 1980s is getting a closer look in a new documentary now streaming on Netflix. The latest entry from the streamer’s Untold sports documentary series arrived Tuesday, September 8.
The movie takes viewers behind the gold chains, mohawk, and larger-than-life persona to explore the man behind Mr. T. Titled Untold Mr. T: I Pity the Fool, the documentary focuses on the life and career of Laurence Tureaud.
Directed by Scott Weintrob, the film follows Mr. T’s journey from growing up in a crowded Chicago housing project to becoming an international star. It also covers his early work as a bouncer and bodyguard before Sylvester Stallone discovered him and cast him as Clubber Lang in Rocky III.
The rise of Mr. T from cultural phenomenon to enduring legend
That role changed Tureaud’s life, but it was only the beginning. He became even more famous as B.A. Baracus on The A-Team, while his distinctive personality later carried over into an animated series and professional wrestling.
He also appeared at the first WrestleMania alongside Hulk Hogan, further cementing his place in 1980s pop culture. The documentary looks at how Mr. T’s catchphrases, appearance, and personality made him one of the decade’s most recognizable stars.
It also moves beyond his Hollywood success, touching on his faith, his philanthropy, and his battle with T-cell lymphoma, which led him to step away from much of the spotlight.
However, Tureaud has not been completely happy with how his story is presented. In a recent interview with The Guardian, the actor criticized the documentary for focusing too heavily on the difficult parts of his Hollywood career and giving less attention to his charitable work and religious beliefs.
Untold: Mr. T: I Pity the Fool is now streaming on Netflix.
