Andre van Heerden with Mr. T on the set of Judgment

One of my favorite shows during the 1980’s was the supremely over-the-top “A-Team”. Even as a kid I realized how unrealistic and cheesy it was and yet loved every minute of it. Literally thousands of rounds of ammunition could be fired, hundreds of pounds of explosives could be detonated, multiple vehicles could be flipped and crashed and burnt – all by “an elite commando unit” – and yet no one was ever killed or seriously hurt. Most of the damage was always done by a cleverly made “cabbage cannon” or by someone with a bad attitude.

That someone was the irrepressible – and I would argue irreplaceable – Mr. T.

Mr. T posing for the camera on the set of Judgment

Mr. T. is not an actor. He’d be the first to tell you that. He’s a real deal tough guy and an icon. He was famously discovered by Sylvester Stallone who was looking for someone to play the ultimate unbeatable antagonist in ROCKY III. One night he was watching the “World’s Toughest Bouncer Competition” on TV (they actually had to throw people and knock down doors) and Mr. T. won. Stallone took one look at him and knew he’d found his guy.

I had the enormous pleasure of directing Mr. T in JUDGMENT. During the interview process to see if he was the right fit for the character he told me: “Mr. T don’t do love scenes and Mr. T don’t rollerblade.” And yes, he said it in that unmistakably growly voice of his.

After talking with him and realizing that Mr. T. looks and sounds and generally “is” the person you see on screen, I had to go back and change our characters name from “Tim” to “J.T.” and change all of his lines of dialogue. Mr. T isn’t about clever repartee. He doesn’t use long or complicated sentences. He’s a direct, honest, man of action.

During those revisions I came up with some of my all time favorite lines. J.T. was part of the Christian-resistance along with Helen Hannah (APOCALYPSE, REVELATION, TRIBULATION). But unlike Helen he didn’t have any problem using violence against Macalousso and those who had sworn allegiance to him. He was someone you’d hate to stand against but love to have on your side. No one else could deliver the lines that Mr. T. could: “Violence is the only language he understands. Black eye for black eye, broken tooth for broken tooth!” “If they want fire and brimstone, then they’re gonna get it!” “You keep that up and you’re gonna need Amazing Grace!” “Do I look patient to you?”

But while Mr. T’s on screen personas are intimidating, it’s not hard to see the big heart and soul behind the gold chains, mohawk and scowl. When he came to our set he was over 50 and still looked great. And while others were complaining about long days, or dirty locations he was always smiling and ready to do his best. He visited an injured crew member in the hospital. He helped plan a birthday surprise for co-star Corbin Bernsen. When he laughs he covers his mouth – just as his mother taught him. He shared personal stories about how he became “Mr. T” and how Jesus Christ was his strength and salvation while battling cancer. Film crews rarely ever get star-struck. They’re used to working with big stars day in and day out. But with Mr. T. it was different. I often found myself, along with many others, humming that catchy “A-Team” theme just because he was around.

I saw this week the trailer for the up-coming “A-Team” movie. It’s got some big stars in it (Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel) and they’re certainly trying hard to capture the look and feel of all of the original characters. It looks like they come pretty close. But while some characters may work with one actor stepping in for another – I don’t think anyone can replace Mr. T. As they say today: “he’s the real deal.”

- Written by Andre van Heerden, Cloud Ten Pictures Writer/Director