For television legend Mr. T, it's surreal that it's been four full decades since the premiere of his classic TV show The A-Team. Back in January 1983, the action adventure series aired its first episode on NBC, starting what would become a five-season series with nearly 100 episodes. Created by Frank Lupo and Stephen J. Cannell, The A-Team follows a group of former U.S. Army Special Forces members working as soldiers of fortune while trying to clear their names of a crime they didn't commit. The team included Mr. T as B. A. Baracus, Dirk Benedict as Templeton "Faceman" Peck, Dwight Schultz Captain H.M. "Howlin' Mad" Murdock, and George Peppard as John "Hannibal" Smith.With a series of posts on Twitter, Mr. T first recalls how last year saw the 40th anniversary of Rocky III, the hit film in which he co-starred with Sylvester Stallone. That brings him to this year with the 40th anniversary of The A-Team, and for the actor, it's another sign of how fast time flies. He's also using the opportunity to thank everyone for the support they've been giving him every step of the way."Oh My… How time flies, last year was Rocky III’s 40th Anniversary. And this year it’s A-Team’s 40th Anniversary," Mr. T says. "Wow… What a Ride, that’s 40 Years. That’s a Long time and I am so Very Grateful! First, I want to Thank GOD for Everything! Next I want to say, 'Thank you,' (Sylvester Stallone) for Giving me the Greatest Opportunity to play Clubber Lang in Rocky III, Awesome!"Acknowledging his co-stars from the series, Mr. T continues, "Next, I want to say, 'Thank You' to the Other Members of the A-Team, Because there’s No 'I' in Team! Thank You; George Peppard, Dirk Benedict, and Dwight Schultz. What a Team! We Loved It When a Plan Came Together."He adds, "I have so Much to Thank GOD for; My Health and Strength and all of my Success and its Longevity! And now I want to Give a Big Shoutout and Thanks to All of You my Faithful, Loyal Fans, and Supporters."
Mr. T Appreciates the Immense Fan Support
Going beyond the work he did as an actor that garnered him praise, Mr. T also loves how so many people were there to support him through his battle with cancer. That's something Mr. T is also thinking about now with him reflecting over where he's come throughout his career.
"I’m Truly Blessed some of you were there cheering me on in the very Beginning," he says. "1980 NBC’s Bouncer Contest then Rocky III, The A-Team, DC Cab & WrestleMania Wow! Then many of you Stopped and Prayed for me during my Cancer, Diagnosis and Treatments. I Sincerely Thank GOD for you. Now, after all of that, After 40 Years. A couple of Generations, Kids and Grandkids, 4 Decades and 7 Presidents later. You’ve been there with me Cheering me on with your Love! I just want to say, 'Thank You, I am so Very Grateful.'"