Mr. T on David Letterman (Part I)

From 1985: Mr. T discusses wrestling and gets feisty with Dave.

[@Theonegamefreak]

I think Mr. T is the most memorable character from the A-team to us kids today.

[@jh-sm4do]

100

[@RuiLuz]

and murdoch!

[@DjWesRolan]

The only memorable one

[@dmkappa62]

Dwight schultz is great too.

[@robertscott1983]

There is no thinking about that

[@ericcesolitude7385]

Mr t ain't lying , everybody want to be your friend when you doing good for yourself , bunch of phonies

[@constantinvaldor3742]

@@brettwyatt7165 are you doing good?

[@fucheduck]

Dave always gets the damned freaks! he ain't Johnny but he aught to get treated better and his guests screened! I pity dave but in a respectful way!

[@zolanihogana]

There’s nothing wrong with surrounding yourself with successful people.

[@ericcesolitude7385]

@@zolanihogana right

[@dennisjr77]

Fair weather Friends

[@UwesGrandad]

After spending my childhood watching the A Team, I find it sad to say that it’s only at the age of 38 I’ve realised how much of a comedy genius this man is.

[@Rex69Rutherford]

EPIC comment. Calling him a comedy genius would seem hyperbolic for 99.9% of entertainers, but this guy played on the edge like few before him.

[@maliant16]

@@Rex69Rutherford I’d say it’s hyperbolic. He is not doing anything but playing the same character which is really just a less mature, more egocentric version of his real life persona.

[@shgarli45]

@@maliant16 I can see why you're friendless and get used. You seem like a Shitty person.

[@DW-nb2zc]

Perfect deadpan delivery

[@affordableaquariumservices1663]

I laughed so hard during this interview I almost pissed my pants mr. T was not playing around

[@Malcolmdeeb]

Mr T. was and is an incredibly nice man. I've seen him talk with kids before who were star struck by him, and he preaches to them to stay in school, listen to your mother, and don't do drugs. I wish he had a bigger career than he did, because he deserved it. A true icon.

[@papialeman]

He was in a Rocky movie, had his own cartoon and was in WrestleMania. I think that's a huge career

[@joeybaseball7352]

Mr T was huge. But he never cared about the fame or money. All the money he got, he gave back to the community.

[@nole8796]

My mom knew him personally. Said he was one the nicest guys in chi town. His on cam persona was truly art.

[@MrDuds1984]

Chicago, Not Chi Town, no one from Chicago refers to it as Chi Town

[@gimpyjwilliams]

@@MrDuds1984 yea they do

[@MrDuds1984]

@@gimpyjwilliams they are not true Chicagoans then

[@gimpyjwilliams]

@@MrDuds1984 in your opinion lol

[@gimpyjwilliams]

@@MrDuds1984 in your opinion lol

[@NoahHam40]

Classic! Both of these guys really know how to play off each other. Now I'm gonna check out part II.

[@ZoRenol69]

There is nothing jokingly going on. He is straight about his business and life. Serious! I Respect that.

[@easygrin1127]

Lorenzo Bishop his business is glitter glamour fake wrestling but ye I get ur point

[@martinlee2739]

Ernest Hemingway exactly. ..

[@popwashington7501]

He's in character folk's.

[@chrishorv7099]

He better sleep before the fight then

[@aaronaaron5968]

i think you underestimate him. He jokes alot its just deadpan. he's very clever

[@Abderian]

Mr. T - once you ask him a question, you have not a single bit of control of what transpires after. Amazing man to have around.

[@paulstone3590]

Mr humility and honesty. Got to love this guy. Grew up in the mean streets of Chicago and worked his way to the top. A good man. Puts a smile on my face watching him. Stays in character too.

[@sdrewe99]

Mr T is such a cool,humble and down to earth bloke.He is of good character.

[@templarrising6299]

and really funny too

[@templarrising6299]

he stayed in character and didn't budge from it in interviews.. back when wrestling was "real".. He knew the game

[@atticusfinch6038]

Humble isn't exactly the word he puts on a false air of humble that's actually very egocentric. But he seems like an alright guy

[@DanielLiljeberg]

Mr. T is so amazingly hard to read if he's in character or if he truly believes what hes saying at times :) Still, I love the guy! He's part of my childhood.

[@muhammedking3963]

Big Facts!!

[@tappajavittu]

He's got the strongest kayfabe ever.

[@Peter-dk4fz]

What a legend, this guy was the closest thing to being truly super human when I was growing up, a man among men

[@Elizabeth-gp7id]

He was the reason why we watched the A team.

[@philiplewis7252]

Absolutely agree!

[@janshegers7667]

George peppered thought he was the star of the show, but it was actually Mr. T

[@janshegers7667]

Stupid autocorrect, George Peppard.

[@paullangton-rogers2390]

There is no way the A-Team would have been the classic hit show it became without Mr T. Him and the guy who played Murdock had fantastic chemistry and scenes, really many tuned into see their spats which happened every week with Mr T telling the crazy fool to quit his crazy jibber jabber cuz this time I'm gonna really hurt you!

[@dennisjr77]

Lol, it was the banter between Murdoch and Mr T…. THAT was the best part!!!!

[@leongibson1210]

Mr T was a genius. I don’t know how he kept from laughing. Lol

[@richtexas4431]

Because he was telling the truth and being him

[@johnnymarcello1385]

He did break down and smile on howard stern doing the same sctick

[@dildonius]

@@richtexas4431 He was kayfabing.

[@richtexas4431]

@@dildonius what did I write? My comment seems to have been deleted

[@dildonius]

@@richtexas4431 No, I can see it right now. First reply. Says "Because he was telling the truth and being him." But my refutation is that for the most part he was kayfabing especially hard here. This was the immediate lead-up to WrestleMania I. He had a persona to maintain, so really he's playing a highly fictionalized and deeply exaggerated version of himself here. This is not David Letterman chatting with Laurence Tureaud, this is David Letterman and Mr. T advertising World Wrestling Federation Presents: WrestleMania, LIVE from Madison Square Gardens in Manhatten, New York City, New York on Sunday March 31, 1985!!! Big difference.

[@robertnevel3908]

The way Mr.T glances at David 0:43 too funny 😆

[@jools182]

Mr T is amazing. He should have had much more air time. I could watch him all day. Legend

[@theevilascotcompany9255]

So much history packed into this 8 minute clip. A young David Letterman, a young Mr. T, the A-team, George Peppard, the first WWF Wrestlemania....

[@chadmartin6958]

I'm glad I grew up watching Mr. T loved him in everything he did!

[@grimmjowjackerjack7524]

When I was young as a Black kid that’s was my hero my Superman thank you for that Brother 💯.!✊🏾👊🏾🤜🏾

[@thecarpetman7687]

Grimmjow Jackerjack I’m a white kid and he was everyone’s hero! Legend

[@grimmjowjackerjack7524]

Roger Wynne yeah but to us he spoke up for us in times and still in times you lot kill and still hate us.!

[@robertgibbs7513]

Yep he was one of my heroes when I was a little kid I had mr. T slippers t-shirts I even had the mr. T cereal I had a mr. T action figure

[@lockandloadlikehell]

@@grimmjowjackerjack7524 speak for yourself little boy

[@jamesking9280]

I love that he brought the ball again.....and....shifted the interview to the wrestle mania.

[@danny-li6io]

Apparently George Peppard was intensely jealous of Mr T getting all the attention on the set and in the public eye, so that was very humble of him to say George is the star.

[@DW-nb2zc]

Yep didn't have to say that

[@davidca96]

Mr. T was always one of my favorites as a kid back during this period of the video. I miss those days.

[@minnesotajack1]

What a great interview. Dave knew the exact dance steps for the character

[@startrackertrax6493]

Mr T is a great comedian, he is clearly playing off Dave, and being hilarious. Wow. what a great man

[@SeanLives]

He isn't trying to be funny

[@johnnymarcello1385]

He did the same to howard stern on his show..he knows how to stay in character .

[@johnnymarcello1385]

@@SeanLives your right he's trying to be MR.T .by staying in character .

[@lockandloadlikehell]

@@SeanLives lool

[@gimmeshelter1969]

He was bone-tired and very irritable from heavy work outs prior to the wrestling event. He never should have agreed to do this show under these conditions. If you've never worked out hard you've no idea what it can do to you.

[@VenatorVeritatis]

I just love his look when he stares him down. He wants to look serious but I can’t stop laughing😂😂😂

[@thecarpetman7687]

raps maradona he was a real deal bodyguard so it’s no joke when he stares at you!

[@cjhmarine0621]

Great actor to stay in character because if you look at later interviews hes hapoy, smiling, joking, and very nice man.. Even on Howard stern.. Hes acting the part for the show and doing great.. Hes a great and humble actor who can hold it together.

[@thecarpentershow8507]

mama didn't raise no fool

[@dd5921]

Mr T is an absolute legend!! Loved this guy back in the 80 s love him more today!! I pity da fool is the best line off all time.

[@haroldlee6923]

Mr. T may sound straightforward, brash and maybe simple..but after really listening and thinking of he’s said, he’s quite a deep and relevant thinker!

[@bpmbrent]

i can't believe he was able to stay in character that well the entire interview. maybe he's just that hard haha

[@BlueSky-ub4fx]

He's an absolutely sweet man 😊 He tried SO hard, not to laugh :D

[@dennisjr77]

Lol, he’s getting himself worked up… he’s in character.. totally!! Very good actor

[@lastthen5838]

No he was serious. And they really did choke a host on TV. Richard better. Hogan did the standing rear naked and better dropped like a sack of potatoes. Mr t was all like he's sleeping hell be ok but better had bounced his head on the floor cracked it open an was bleeding unconscious on the stage lol. A dick move for sure

[@lastthen5838]

And yeah he was in the hospital when Mr t said he's probably in the hospital today. Cause better was at the hospital getting his head stapled back together. Not really playing a character he was an ass hole lol. He was a bully too lol

[@sosolid2kk]

Mr T is a bad ass

[@henning6158]

How are you now 12 years later

[@Oneness100]

No, he acts like an asshole..

[@koswin7]

@@Oneness100 here we are a snowflake 🤣

[@boogiestreet594]

5fy 9, 185lbs was huge back then lol, now he's the same size as conor mcgregor, but he weights 15lbs more. Mcgregor is a lightweightm and he'd kill this man within 30 seconds. how the world has changed!!!

[@overlorddvst80r31]

@@boogiestreet594 Totally wrong, do some research on Mr T ....America's toughest bouncer , destroyed a 6,5 ft guy or so in the finals , history of being tough as a doorman at clubs . I appreciate Connor but in streetfight , Prime Mr T destroys Prime Connor .

[@sHART1780]

Mr. T is such an awesome guy. He seems really nice and humble.

[@robertrenfrow9296]

This was a fun interview to watch. I have a newfound respect for Mr. T.

[@water.77]

mr t is kind of a genius. he's completely earnest and charitable AND this angry persona is an incredible character he plays. they are totally laughing during commercial breaks !

[@christianpatterson8301]

Where you there dummy?

[@HarshvardhanKanthode]

@@christianpatterson8301 I pity the fool who thinks Mr T was actually this angry all the time

[@denverjohnson5640]

I consider him stoic and literal

[@petebjerkelund5088]

No one enjoyed Mr. T more than Mr.T being Mr.T. Very unique brand of comedy and real life mix... when is when is the question. Mr.T!

[@pizzaDhut]

7:35 Mr T starts smiling just a little, it's a good act, but really he's quite a gentle man

[@Sean72_]

Mr. T is real

[@King-Vis]

5:36 "That's right, ooh nuthin!"😂😂😂

[@daneg007]

dude is beyond legit.

[@eboni9865]

I love “Mr T” he’s a riot 😂

[@MrSandalwood]

He's brilliant He's a stright up bloke..love it🤣👊

[@derdesdemden1234]

BA mr. T is the man. Watched the A-Team as a kid long time ago in the Netherlands. As kids we always wanted to be BA. Great guy and great actor.

[@knuckletherapyserveothersf6092]

I would have never watched the A-team if Mr T was not on that show. That was the only reason why I watched it. I love his personality. My brother and I used to repeat all his lines. They are so iconic. Love Mr T ❤ I wish he had been in even more shows and movies. One year when I was in elementary school I had his lunch box . I think I still have it. Yup I gave it to my son so he could put his toy cars in there.

[@SchlimmShadySmash]

He didnt smile once. Not ONCE.

[@DJRitty]

ALMOST though lol

[@henning6158]

Damn when you wrote that comment I was 6 how are you

[@beetlejuice4357]

The T stands for Tuff.

[@beetlejuice4357]

Wait why am I replying to a 10 year old comment? Lol gotta love the internet. I will come back to this 10 more years from now.

[@2hobbies2many26]

@@beetlejuice4357 , Beetle Juice , Beetle Juice. Sorry, but it had to be said 😂🤷‍♂️

[@69NOMAN69]

he brings god every where with him. i love it.

[@J2evvin]

"Mr. T, I would like to ask you a question" "Shut up Foo"

[@massvfunk]

This guy is an American treasure. An absolute original and was made for entertainment.

[@mca4u]

Simply an original! They broke the mold.

[@Unity-wb7bu]

Mr T is da Bomb!

[@jameshickey1294]

Wow- mr T was the best- grew up from clubber lang to everything- he was a larger than life type a guy who helped alot a folk.- man should have won an oscar for rocky3 - its may 23 an mr T is loved over hero --- " gotaa lot a mo" is one of the iconic lines in the rocky movies - respect T

[@medusafanatic]

I remember when I first stumbled upon this vid back in the summer of 2009, so happy to see it's still posted after all these years.

[@rhysnichols8608]

I hope you enjoyed yourself in summer 2009

[@danielscissorhands]

Mr T said he and Hulk Hogan didn't do drugs, but he should have spoken for himself. :-o

[@satishrobertson8771]

😂😂

[@peacheskong2245]

perhaps at the time that he knew him and worked with him that he didn't..

[@tommyconnolly9528]

What he did then

[@SelfIndulgentGamer]

@@tommyconnolly9528 Hulk Hogan did :)

[@tommyconnolly9528]

@@SelfIndulgentGamer did mr t do drugs aswell

[@VoIPPortland]

Still to this day love this guy.

[@maiden2314]

Thanks for posting. This is another classic interview by a host that became better with age and an actor who was straight-laced when it came to 'drugs, smokes and alcohol' but didn't want to make fun of his appearance or his straight-faced answers.

[@j.larenmcrae972]

Mr. T so serious... They work perfect together. FUNNY!!!!

[@thecreator1455]

this never get's old love it.

[@meotv2336]

We will always love you Mr T !!!!!!!!

[@sn40k]

What a legend! A truely awesome individual.

[@leedza]

Mr T needs a podcast. That thing would be fire.

[@jasonpate7900]

Mr. T is a legend. Not a myth. Not a fable. He is a legend.

[@brittlyle3523]

Didn't realize how much of a comedian his is. He's in character the whole time....."Remember this ball?"

[@dgetzin]

He was so humble. When I was 4 my friends and I NEVER called it “The A Team” - We knew for a FACT that the name of the show was “Mr. T” and nothing else.

[@scottgarvey3253]

Pity those not in the know

[@JimmyGrant74]

"and that's why I am hoarse now, the guy been choking me" so funny!

[@jritechnology]

@4:02 This is gold T. The best look ever given to Dave, and bring the squeezeball back is pure comedy gold.

[@Voodooray007]

"Ooooo nuthing!" lol

[@lucianakueker5001]

This interview is iconic. 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@bekindandmerciful5145]

this is a brilliant interview

[@1mterra]

Mr T Legend

[@slimgxd_2236]

I’ve seen Mr. T. Before but never looked at his videos/ interviews, and I have to say he’s a very intelligent black man. You don’t see those anymore. You can seriously learn something from this man. He was strictly business and not with the joking and fooling around. Mr. T is very humble and I respect him a lot. ✊🏽

[@DjWesRolan]

Mr. T is a comedic genius and a great man

[@rahulbhatt3431]

Mr. T is pure class. A humble and inspiring man. Absolutely love the guy.

[@chomsky88]

"When he dozes off, take a look at his wallet." Murderous look from Mr. T. God, I love the old Letterman.

[@lunarjedi6271]

that look....ooooweee

[@thesoulthatburns]

Amen on God Protecting us.

[@daleoutdoors17]

Actually Hulk Hogan and Vince Mcmahon both said that Mr. T was not putting on here on these shows he did around Wrestlemania.. Vince and Hulk both were worried cause he was mad about doing all these interviews and was about to walk out on the Match which would have been death for WWF at the time. So Mr. T was very edgy and nervous, so this wasn't a put on.

[@Blackboilingrobotoil]

This is bad ass. I've seen a lot of interviews with "T" and he's always an intense but totally cool guy. This was leading into a big WWF thing way back in the day when that shit was huge and T was was totally just playing his role and I'm sure Dave knew it all along. Its not like it'd be the first time ne played along with some wrestlers.

[@getodachoppa1]

Mr. T was doing a TON of publicity stuff for Vince McMahon leading up to Wrestlemania, and it's a fact he was very cranky and hard to deal at times because of this. Also he had to stay in character as a no nonsense tough guy who doesn't take any crap. Mr. T is normally cool as hell.

[@axekicker78]

T always shows up in character. Awesome.

[@Jayenh]

So, yeah, I was actually watching when Mr. T won that "best bouncer" contest or whatever it was, before he became an actor...ish star. I love that I found this interview on KZbin, because I remember it so clearly ... I thought Mr. T was going to walk off the set with Dave's head.

[@Gen965]

I remember being a little kid having a 3ft Mr.T A-team Action figure, it was awesome!! Lol💪🏾💯

[@samtipton9402]

I LUV MR.T GLAD HE IS STILL AROUND TODAY!!!!

[@brownstuff1899]

Baddest man in the universe. ..FACT!!!

[@VikingSimon2503]

Agreed, Mr. T is the baddest most scary gentle giant ever!

[@fucheduck]

opinion.

[@RicoMacc11]

MR.T cleary knows Dave' its all about show business nothing personal!

[@humer101]

The legend, i was a baby when he made me laugh till today. I watched all videos, and the guy still makes me laugh.

[@afranks8566]

You know when the guest that your interviewing needs a stress ball while talking to you, that he's probably not someone you want to provoke.😬

[@BlueSky-ub4fx]

🤣🤣 He's trying SO hard not to laugh 🤣🤣

[@lefonzopollock4345]

People did not realize how sharp and intelligent Mr. T Was

[@ASAMOAH24]

LOVE MR T. Always telling the truth

[@Banjomountain]

He's 100% Christian, a follower of Jesus. Look at his other videos and he gives the glory to God.

[@outdoor802]

So someone who doesn't believe in God is less of a person?

[@dolphingurls8204]

@@outdoor802 that was never said.

[@outdoor802]

@@dolphingurls8204 it was implied... the reason she enjoys him so much are because he is Christian and a follower of Jesus.

[@dolphingurls8204]

@@outdoor802 if someone has the same beliefs or hobbies or dislikes ECT it makes you like them a little more. It doesn't mean someone who doesn't have the same beliefs or hobbies or opinions is less of a person.

[@outdoor802]

@@dolphingurls8204 yes... I know that

[@dylancoulter420]

Dave is lucky Mr.T didn't lay a smack down LOL.

[@baymeosplit8537]

2:50 was beautiful

[@LORDOFMUFF]

Kick ass interview

[@MrStensnask]

Had Mr. T been gardening just before the interview?

[@ghanasoul]

Mr. T is totally ON and in character! This is the Mr. T i grew up. We feared him, respected him and most of all looked up to him. Today, children don’t have heroes to look up to anymore.

[@bessiemorris5282]

I love this man he's the best hed so humble and down to earth and I still watch the a team

[@David-vi9jq]

6:12 and Mr. T trying not to laugh had me rolling , lmao

[@stevenmckee6134]

Mr T. The most humble and arrogant man there is

[@medusagorgon8432]

I was far too young when this aired but so glad it showed up in my feed. I remember the A-Team and Mr. T with fondness, even though I had no idea half the time what was going on.😅 But this exchange is solid gold.😂🤣

[@THECLARENCES]

80’s era Letterman, Mr. T, WrestleMania 1...what more can you ask for?!? xoxo The Clarences