Laurence Tureaud

Laurence Tureaud became Mr. T

Laurence Tureaud enlisted in

1975 and quickly became the

top trainee in his Army cycle,

serving as a military policeman

where his discipline and no

nonsense attitude first took

shape. After leaving the service

he channeled that same

toughness into nightclub

bouncer work in Chicago,

breaking up fights and earning a

reputation that would soon

catch Hollywood's eye.

His imposing presence and

street-tested skills led to a

lucrative bodyguard career

reports say he charged up to

three thousand dollars a night

protecting high-profile clients

and honing the persona that

would become Mr. T. Clad in gold

chains and sporting his

signature Mandinka-inspired

mohawk, he made every

assignment feel like a

showdown.