A-Team (1983 – 1987): George Peppard vs. Mr. T (and everyone else)
The A -Team follows soldiers of fortune trying to clear their names for a crime they didn’t commit. Dwight Schultz, who played team leader Captain H.M. Murdock of the A-Team, recalls the first time he met costar George Peppard, saying, “I’m George Peppard, and I am not a nice man.” He told female costars that they weren’t wanted because it was, as A-Team actor Dirk Benedict says, a “guy’s show.” Peppard told Marla Heasley, who played Tawnia Baker from 1983-1984, she was there because “…the network and producers want you. For some reason they think they need a girl.” But Peppard blatantly resented costar Mr. T. Mr. T had become a popular culture phenomenon, irking Peppard, who fancied himself a higher-level actor. Tensions rose when Peppard found out Mr. T was paid more than he was. He wouldn’t even speak to Mr. T, relaying messages through Benedict.