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Despite their on-camera chemistry, Mr. T and George Peppard were not friends
Despite their on-camera chemistry, Mr. T and George Peppard were not friends
When The A-Team first aired in 1983, the idea of four mercenaries with opposite personailities trying to clear their names of a crime they did not commit was far from a normal television plot.
Yet, Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith, Sergeant B.A. Baracus, Lieutenant Templeton "Faceman" Peck, along with their Captain, Murdock, became household names. The show aired for five seasons, producing 98 episodes of legendary action, adventure and crime.
George Peppard, Mr. T, Dirk Benedict and Dwight Schultz brought a special spark to each character, intensifying the on-camera chemistry, despite some of the cast not being friends in real life.
During an interview, Schultz, who played "Howling Mad" Murdock, revealed that Mr. T and George Peppard's relationship behind the scenes wasn't the best.
"Hollywood is a place of ego. I think it created a lot of problems and tension between George and T," he said. " I don't think George ever accepted the fact that T was the star of the show." Schultz added that since Peppard was a beloved Hollywood star prior to starring on The A-Team, he wanted to be the star of the show.
There was also a time when Mr. T loudly read quotes from a magazine article that referenced Peppard's words on set. In the quotes, he claimed that T was not a real actor, despite his high earnings, and was the worst actor out of the group.
Peppard would sometimes leave the set seven hours early because he didn't want to film, which prompted Mr. T to have a conversation with producers about his actions being unfair since they were peers.
Although the two did not get along later in the series, the chemistry between their characters in many episodes and talents prove both were stars in their own way.
The clashing of the two didn't have too much of an impact on the show's success. In fact, ratings only started to decline during season four when the show's format changed and fans were not pleased with the new look.
In episodes like "Lease with an Option to Die", "Alive At Five", and more, there were several scenes where Hannibal and B.A Baracus' chemistry won over viewers worldwide.
Both men, as well as Dirk Benedict and Dwight Schultz, inspired many generations of actors to come.
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Or Christine Belford in Banacek?
Or for the reason of their personalities?
I think Dwight Schultz (𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘯𝘴) got it right in the interview LoveMETV22 posted. GP knew he was a Movie Star (from the old school) of acting, appearance and experience! Mr. T was (and is) a 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮. But not for those same reasons. Per episode 𝓒𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓽 the number of lines he was given. Make note of his two expressions. Dominated by his action scenes. Which MeTV's other article has just explained, the stuntman primarily performed for him.
My hunch is the studio/production company was jacking up his compensation along the way, because of his popularity factor. And for any reason to keep the Series going! No worries. That's good business!
Where GP 𝓅𝓇𝑜𝒷𝒶𝒷𝓁𝓎 could've bonded a little better with a newcomer, is if somebody wanted to learn from him. And his message probably would've been, "I'm not hiding any my mistakes. I am who I am." That's the lesson. or as B.A. would say "Don't be a fool."
Not always added to the gossip, is another reference. That the Powers that Were, were so desperate to keep Mr. T. they were said to have been willing to do anything. Insert your definition here. Point being, is that Mr. T. went to the same authority and said, "Don't fire George Peppard."
So not far from those days (of the 80's) long before social media actually came to control "popularity." And just like the oldest cliche in the world, 𝓪𝓷𝔂 publicity was better than nothing. And studios tried to control an actor's image. Except for the few who slipped through anyway, By honestly being themselves. And paid a price. But they won't be forgotten.
And maybe that's what they wanted all along!
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068044/trivia
Love this story!
AND this show, comes on at the perfect time right after Adam 12, and before MASH
(in my marketplace)!!
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Mr T (B.A. Baracus) Just remember I fought Rockey, sucker
George Peppard (John 'Hannibal' Smith) Is that B.S. or
Mr T (B.A. Baracus) whatcha talking bout sucker, it's B.A.
George Peppard (John 'Hannibal' Smith) Yeah when he mopped the floor with you
Mr T (B.A. Baracus) listen sucker. Stallone was lucky to get outta of the ring alive
George Peppard (John 'Hannibal' Smith) so that's why you have scrambled for brains
Mr T (B.A. Baracus) (as Mr. T's chains are starting to rattle around stepping forward to crown George. Stage crew jumps in to break it up). Mr T pointing and stating "next time sucker!"
George Peppard (John 'Hannibal' Smith) see you on the set B.S. 😁
What Mr. Schultz explained, are the stories and interviews and reports that we read in the day. And eventually formed a picture about the celebrities. I mean, you put together 20 different sources, and mash their impressions together, and single thread is going to emerge. But it's so much easy in terms of sound-bite to sum it up with "he's difficult."
continuing in the next comment
I was happy to read in a different MeTV Story how Mr. T was actually a very nice guy, faith-filled, and inspiring to his younger fans!
And there were 5 seasons, 98 episodes!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_The_A-Team_episodes
Nevertheless, very happy happy to have a new story that isn't Sven, MASH, TAGS or Full House.
Thank you MeTV Staff!!! 🎃
Wonder if they took back Columbo for the same reason.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozi_TV