The A-Team burst onto television screens in 1983, captivating audiences with its thrilling action and memorable characters.
Led by the cunning Hannibal, played by George Peppard, the team featured a diverse crew, including the suave Faceman, the unpredictable Howling Mad, and the tough B.A. Baracus, famously portrayed by Mr. T.
Despite initial doubts about its success, the show quickly cemented its place in pop culture and continues to be celebrated today.
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As time has passed, three of the main stars remain vibrant in the entertainment world, showcasing their talents in various projects.
Notably, Mr. T, the beloved actor and retired wrestler, recently celebrated a significant milestone, turning 71 years old.
Their journeys highlight the lasting impact of The A-Team and provide insights into where these iconic figures are now.
John ‘Hannibal’ Smith – George Peppard
George Peppard starred as John “Hannibal” Smith, the charismatic leader of the A-Team. Initially, James Coburn was considered for the role, but Peppard’s performance became iconic.
Hannibal was known for his unconventional methods and fearless attitude. He thrived on adrenaline, taking pleasure in the challenges his team faced.
After his time on the show, Peppard continued his career in theater, notably performing in PAPA, a play depicting Ernest Hemingway. His final television appearance was in the series Matlock, just days before he passed away in 1994.
George had a complicated personal life, being married five times. He had two children with his first wife, Helen Davies, and a third child with his second wife, Elizabeth Ashley.
His later marriages included Sherry Boucher, Alexis Adams, and finally Laura Taylor, whom he married in 1992. They remained together until his death.
Throughout his life, Peppard battled with alcohol addiction, which he openly discussed in interviews. He expressed shame over his past behaviors while drinking, emphasizing a desire to help others struggling with similar issues.
His health faced challenges as well. Diagnosed with lung cancer in 1992 due to years of smoking, he underwent surgery to remove a part of his lung.
Although he fought bravely against the disease, he ultimately succumbed to pneumonia on May 8, 1994, in Los Angeles. His legacy as Hannibal Smith remains beloved among fans of the show.
Arthur Templeton ‘Faceman’ Peck – Dirk Benedict
Tim Dunigan was originally cast as Faceman in the pilot episode of the show. However, the creators felt he appeared too youthful to convincingly portray a Vietnam veteran. Additionally, his height was a concern, as he towered over the rest of the ensemble. This led to the decision to replace him with the talented Dirk Benedict.
Faceman became the charming and smooth-talking member of the A-Team. He had an undeniable knack for attracting women, which made his character particularly memorable.
His skills as a con man and resourceful scrounger allowed him to obtain whatever the team needed, often while donning various disguises.
Dirk Benedict, now 78 years old, celebrated his birthday in March this year. He had an active career in film and television up until 2020, with a notable role as Stanley in Charlie’s Christmas Wish.
In his personal life, he has three children and was married to actress Toni Hudson until their divorce in 1995.
Although he was scheduled to appear at the Fanboy Knoxville Expo in July 2022, that appearance was unexpectedly canceled. Before that event, he participated in a virtual GalaxyCon Live Q&A, sharing experiences and stories with fans.
Dirk’s portrayal of Faceman remains a cherished part of TV history, showcasing his charisma and unique talents.
H.M. ‘Howling Mad’ Murdock – Dwight Schultz
H.M. ‘Howling Mad’ Murdock is a fascinating character from the A-Team, known for his wild antics and unpredictable behavior. A former U.S. Army pilot, Murdock earned his nickname due to the belief among his peers that he was mentally unstable. His adventures often included daring escapes from a psychiatric hospital to join his friends on exciting missions.
Dwight Schultz, the actor behind this beloved character, is currently 75 years old, celebrating his birthday in November 2022.
He tied the knot with actress Wendy Fulton in 1983, the same year the A-Team premiered. They welcomed their daughter, Ava, in 1987, who proudly serves in the United States Marine Corps and is now in her mid-30s.
Schultz continues to make waves in the entertainment industry as a voice actor. His recent roles include appearances in Happy Halloween, Scooby-Doo! in 2020 and the Iron Man VR video game.
In a delightful nod to the past, he made a cameo as a German doctor in the 2010 A-Team film, showcasing his enduring connection to this iconic series.
Bosco Albert ‘B.A’ Baracus – Mr T
Bosco Albert Baracus, famously known as B.A., is a character that left a lasting impression in television history. He served as a Sergeant in the United States Army Special Forces, showcasing his skills as a mechanic and a master at arms.
B.A. was known for his fiery temper, earning him the nickname “Bad Attitude.” Despite his tough exterior, he had a gentle nature, especially when it came to children and his preference for milk over alcohol.
Mr. T, who celebrates his 71st birthday today, also made waves as the fierce boxer Clubber Lang in the classic film Rocky III released in 1982. His most recognizable features include his unique hairstyle and iconic gold jewelry.
In a recent appearance at the Team USA Awards in 2018, he sported a bandana featuring the American flag, a nod to his patriotic spirit.
After The A-Team ended, Mr. T took on a role in the Canadian series T. By the late 1990s, he limited his public appearances mostly to commercials, primarily due to health challenges.
In 1995, he was diagnosed with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. During his remission, he humorously remarked about his diagnosis, saying “Can you imagine that? Cancer with my name on it — personalised cancer!”
In 2017, he surprised fans by competing on Dancing with the Stars, finishing in 10th place, and generously donated his earnings to charity.
Most recently, in 2022, he lent his voice to an animated version of himself in the video game WWE 2K22.