Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The 5-minute Interview: Mr T, Actor

'I pity the fool that don't be cool'

Saturday 16 February 2008 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Mr T, 55, is best known for playing BA Baracus in 'The A-Team'. Born Laurence Tureaud in Chicago, he has worked as a professional wrestler, released two albums and become the face of the Snickers Get Some Nuts Campaign. He is currently appearing in a 'Facebook open-surgery' as part of the campaign and will begin a similar page on Bebo on 24 February.

If I weren't talking to you right now I'd be...

Working out. I work out Monday to Friday. On Sundays I go to church.

A phrase I use far too often is...

"Be cool." If people are cool then they are not stressed. I pity the fool that don't be cool.

I'm good at...

Being a mama's boy. I listento my mother and that keeps me out of trouble. I'm a good son.

I'm very bad at...

If I forget to pray, I can't get through the day without snapping at people.

The most surprising thing that happened to me was...

When I got invited to the White House to meet Ronald Reagan in 1983. Nancy Reagan was campaigning to get kids to say no to drugs, and they heard about me going round schools telling kids to stay away from drugs. It was a real honour for a black kid from the ghetto who grew up on welfare.

A common misperception of me is...

That I'm tough. I'm tender on the inside.

I am not a politician but...

I don't trust them because they make promises they can't keep.

The ideal night out is ...

The best nights for me are when I watch A-Team reruns and Rocky III on my widescreen TV.

In moments of weakness I...

Pray more.

The best age to be is...

Whatever age you are now. I'll be 56 this year.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

If you have a good mother, listen to her.

Toby Green

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in