Laurence Tureaud, famously known as Mr T, is widely known for donning his glimmering and heavy gold chains. He started collecting gold chains when he first worked as a bouncer. He once made an appearance on the TV show called America’s Toughest Bouncers where he was spotted by Sylvester Stallone and was ultimately cast in Rocky III.
Why Did Mr T Have So Many Gold Chains?
According to his biography which was published in 1984, the actor revealed that he would often keep the gold neckpieces which were left behind in the nightclubs. He stated that while he kept the chains, he was willing to return them to their owners if anyone ever came back for them. However, none came back for them and thus began his obsession with the gold chains.
The 71-year-old actor revealed that he first started wearing gold chains after being inspired by his African heritage. When slavery was a common practice, Africans were shackled in chains by their necks and wrists and it was his way of honouring his ancestors.
“When my ancestors came from Africa, they were shackled by our neck, our wrists, and our ankles in steel chains. I’ve turned those steel chains into gold to symbolize the fact that I’m still a slave, only my price tag is higher.”
He also revealed that it would take him an hour to put on all his gold jewels and stated three reasons why he donned the shiny chains around is neck.
“The reason why I wear gold – I wear gold for three reasons. One, when Jesus was born, three wise men came from the east: one brought frankincense, one brought myrrh, the other one brought gold. The second reason I wear gold is I can afford it. The third reason I wear it, it’s symbolic of my African heritage.”
However, fans might have noticed that the bouncer-turned-actor hasn’t been spotted with his usual gold jewels around his neck.
Why Did Mr T Stopped Wearing His Gold Chains?
In an interview with VT in December 2022, the Rocky star revealed the heartbreaking reason behind why he stopped wearing his golden chains. T disclosed that he stopped wearing the iconic chains to pay respect to the victims of Hurricane Katrina which took thousands of lives in 2005.
“As a Christian, I said I would never wear my own gold again because of what happened with Hurricane Katrina. It would be a sin against God for me to wear my gold when so many people lost everything.”
He further added that while it became his trademark symbol, he is still the same person he has always been.
“Sure, it’s my trademark, but I am the same person whether I’m wearing the gold or not. My moral values are the same. The gold don’t make me, I make the gold.”
