Mr T taught me a lesson every kid on Chicago's South Side needs to hear

Netflix releases new 48‑minute Mr. T documentary amid mixed reviews

A newly released Netflix documentary chronicling the life of actor, bodyguard and television personality Mr. T (born Laurence Tureaud on May 21, 1952) has drawn criticism for its brevity and perceived lack of depth. The 48‑minute feature, released last week, attempts to trace the star’s journey from the Robert Taylor Homes on Chicago’s South Side to a career in entertainment and security work. Critics say the film’s short runtime limits its ability to convey the complexity of the man’s story.

Tureaud was the second‑youngest of 12 children born to a Chicago family that lived in poverty on the South Side. His father, a minister, left the household when Laurence was five. His mother, Willie, worked as a house‑cleaner in the Lake Forest area of Chicago and received a modest $87 monthly welfare payment to support her family. Despite the economic challenges, Tureaud’s parents fostered a close-knit, faith‑centered household that kept their children away from the gangs that surrounded the Robert Taylor Homes.

Tureaud’s early talents surfaced at Dunbar Vocational High School, where he excelled as a football player and won the city wrestling championship. The teenager earned a scholarship to Prairie View A&M University, but the opportunity did not materialize, prompting him to relocate to Chicago’s Loop in search of work. There he took on multiple jobs—one of them as a club bouncer—while continuing to train in his own backyard, doing push‑ups and wrestling with brothers on the concrete.

A pivotal moment occurred when Tureaud’s mother was threatened by thieves who demanded her welfare money in an elevator at the projects. He confronted the gangsters with a shotgun and, after removing the threat, decided to pursue a career as a bodyguard, believing the profession would allow him to protect others as he had once attempted to protect his mother.

In addition to his security work, Tureaud held a variety of low‑paid jobs, including janitor, gym teacher, and doorman, before his talents caught the attention of Hollywood. The transition was gradual; he did not seek fame through shortcuts, but rather built a reputation for discipline, hard work, and a distinctive persona.

Tureaud has publicly spoken about his faith, saying, “I answer only to God.” He has also expressed the desire to rise above his environment, famously telling his mother at age nine, “One of these days I’m going to be big and strong.” These statements highlight his early resolve to change his circumstances.

He earned the moniker “Mr. T” in his late teens after an incident in which a white officer referred to him as a “boy.” Determined to be addressed with dignity, Tureaud chose the title “Mister” as a declaration that he would not be called a boy again.

The documentary includes the iconic line “I was born and raised in the ghetto, but the ghetto was not born and raised in me,” a phrase that has become a rallying cry for those who view Tureaud as a role model. The film also touches on his personal values—faith, respect, and perseverance—and his impact on younger generations, including his involvement with Project H.O.O.D., a community organization for youth in Chicago.

In the years since his rise to fame, Tureaud has fulfilled promises made to his family. He purchased a luxury home in Lake Forest for his mother, featuring an elevator that reminded her of the projects where she once worked.

While the documentary offers a snapshot of Tureaud’s life, reviewers point out that the 48‑minute format may have left many aspects unexplored, such as the full scope of his early life struggles, his military background (his brother served as a Marine in Vietnam), and the full extent of his philanthropic efforts. Nevertheless, the film provides a brief look at a figure who has inspired many with his story of resilience and self‑determination.