May 21st marks the 60th birthday of original bad-ass and tough-man Mr. T. The youngest son in a family with twelve children, and son of a minister, Mr. T grew up in a three-room apartment in one of Chicago's worst housing projects. Witnessing murder, rape and drug activity on a daily basis, Mr. T was no stranger to violence. He attributes his survival and later success to his will to do well and his mother's love.
He excelled at high school sports, college football, the military and later as the original tough man. Mr. T's larger than live persona stems from his career as a bouncer. He was rumored to be in more than 200 fights. With his his trademark African Mandinka warrior hairstyle, he would collect jewelry from fights ad scuffles, which he placed around his neck as a trophy.
Mr. T is best know for his role as Clubber Lang in Rocky 3. It is rumored that Sylvester Stallone spotted Mr. T on Americas Toughest Bouncer. It is believed that the interview with sports journalist Bryant Gumbel originated his famous line about his opponent, "I don't hate him but...I pity the fool", which was worked into the movie
