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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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40 Comments
There was bad blood between Geroge Peppard and Melinda Culea as well.
George discovering that Mr. T was being paid more than he was also didn't help their relationship.
Schlock. Declasse'.
Interesting story!
"Mr. T" may have been more athlete than actor but Peppard was hardly "beloved." One reason his body of work doesn't reflect his talent is that he was notoriously difficult to work with. Whatever he thought of his costars, he was being paid to show up and give his best, not to create turmoil by reading another performers bad notices or deciding he'd come and go as he pleased regardless of the shooting schedule. It was a campy action series, not Masterpiece Theater. Peppard's behavior on "The A-Team" is exactly why he wasn't cast in more films.
I’m sorry I’m about to make some of my MeTV family angry but in regards to the behind the scenes Ill will of Mr T and Mr Peppard Mr T was not an actor. He gained fame through being a bouncer/bodyguard/Badguy in a Rocky movie . Mr peppard was Hollywood royalty long before him …The Carpetbaggers, How The West was Won, and one of the Greatest movie’s Breakfast At Tiffany’s with the beautiful Audrey Hepburn come on I mean really I think Mr T should have just been happy and consider himself lucky to work with a true actor. Despite Mr Ts gripping and complaining Mr Peppard shown himself to be a consummate professional and true to his craft as an actor and fein chemistry.
I'm so happy metv started playing the a team my wife knows at 6 every week night we're watching it and it's cool she actually likes it too. Her favorite part is when Hannibal says I love it when a plan comes together...
Cartoon series, beneath George Peppard’s considerable talents.
I wonder how George got along with Tracy Nelson? They were in that episode of Matlock, said to be a pilot, but he died before the series.
Or Christine Belford in Banacek?
Or Christine Belford in Banacek?
Meaning how he got along with 𝒘𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏.
Or for the reason of their personalities?
Or for the reason of their personalities?
Regardless.
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!
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!
I wonder if it was an ongoing thing. I liked that episode of Matlock, so I brought it up. Carlie Kirkland was the main antagonist on Banacek. But I.might have asked about the chauffeur.
Anyone who loves Banacek has already found this page. But for those who haven't, is some fun trivia! What a shame it didn't have more seasons.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068044/trivia
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068044/trivia
was waiting for someone to mention Banacek . it should be on METV . Mr T is one dimensional all the shows I've seen him in he plays the same character , hinself , not much acting going on . He made money playing himself , good for him
MeTV fans have been begging for a format like the NBC Mystery Movie (rotation) because there weren't enough episodes for some Series syndication. Banachek was one, along with McCloud and McMillan and another. But they could do that with so many other hour long action/adventure/detective/fantasy Series. It numbs the mind to imagine why they don't. That way, they'd be satisfying that many more fans!!
Thanks MeTV Staff!!
Love this story!
AND this show, comes on at the perfect time right after Adam 12, and before MASH
(in my marketplace)!!
Love this story!
AND this show, comes on at the perfect time right after Adam 12, and before MASH
(in my marketplace)!!
I’ve always wondered if this show was inspired by the 1966 movie The Professionals, starring Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, Woody Strode, and Robert Ryan. One of my favorite movies. Ironically, Lee Marvin and Burt Lancaster didn’t get along during the filming.
That is too bad that Mr. T and George Pappard weren't friends in real life.
I heard they patched up their differences right before Peppard passed away.
I heard the same thing, hope it was true.
Me too. In my estimation they really elevated their stock as actors because like this article points out they had a good chemistry together on the show for two guys that really didn't like each other.
Yes, it's been said in interviews.
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Possible conversation off set (all in fun of course)
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. 😁
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. 😁
Dwight Schultz (Captain "Howling Mad" Murdock) did an interview in 2004 @ the SF Ball X in England. In the interview he mentions what it was like on the set of the A-Team. He explained a bit about the relationship between Peppard and Mr. T. However as difficult as George Peppard may have been, he was very complimentary about his experience as an actor.
Wonderful!
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
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
The problem in the A-Team behind-the-scenes, was the clash of a couple of realities. The movie-star is covered. Mr. T was at the opposite end of an actor's professional experience (which includes talent, leverage, and influence). Mr. T arrived at his, by popular (fandom) demand, which equaled commercial value. And yet he may not have been to learn (ego?). Benedict and Schultz were "day-actors" meaning they just wanted the next job, so they did their best on the current job. And how he explained it, was perfect. And yet that ensemble chemistry, worked!! And they were all well aware of it.
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!
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!
I enjoyed it from Dwight Schultz's perspective, as just his opinion or observances. But yes, two very strong willed actors with their own individual notions. Surely the same on many TV series and film sets. Interesting to hear his perspective years after the series ended.
I know this show 𝔀𝓮𝓵𝓵.
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!!! 🎃
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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!!! 🎃
I think its on cozi now, im starting to wonder if NBC/universal is trying to get back all of there shows slowly for peacock
And/or cozi since i think thats sort of owned by NBC
You're correct.
Wonder if they took back Columbo for the same reason.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozi_TV
Wonder if they took back Columbo for the same reason.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cozi_TV
I think that was why metv stopped showing colombo, I think someone mentioned that before, can’t recall who