Actor Mr. T was asked why he wore old shoes despite being rich — his response was humbling

Many celebrities have reached their goals through talent and perseverance. Each one has a unique story of hardship and success that shaped their journey. While some prefer to forget their past, others embrace it as a testament to their progress and a reminder to stay grateful. Recently, a fascinating video from the '90s featuring actor and wrestler Mr. T resurfaced on Twitter. In the clip, Mr. T shares profound insights when asked about his old, worn-out shoes.

The interviewer questioned Mr. T about his luxurious gold and diamond accessories contrasted with his worn-out shoes. "You know, I’m looking at you with gold and maybe 10 million dollars worth of diamonds and then I’m looking at your shoes and you know, they’re a disaster," the interviewer noted. When asked to explain his “taped up and tacky shoes,” Mr. T provided a thoughtful response. He explained that while his shoes might seem terrible to others, they carried significant meaning. “These shoes keep me humble,” he stated. He shared that these shoes were passed down from his family, and worn by his father and brother before him.

Mr. T emphasized that wearing these hand-me-down shoes keeps him grounded. “It reminds me that I have brothers and sisters back in Chicago, I have a mother and father that I must take care of,” he said. He noted how easy it is to become consumed by fame and materialism. “When I go out with the governor or to dinner or anything, I wear these shoes as a reminder that I can’t get too carried away,” he explained.

Now in his senior years, Mr. T continues to exemplify humility. He frequently shares posts thanking veterans and service workers, makes donations, and demonstrates gratitude for his journey. @timecaptales highlighted Mr. T’s enduring humility. The post noted that Mr. T, once famous for his massive gold chains, gave them up for a heartfelt reason.

The post read, “Mr. T stopped wearing virtually all his gold, one of his identifying marks, after helping with the clean-up after Hurricane Katrina in 2005.” The post also shared the actor’s reason. It read, “He said, ‘As a Christian, when I saw other people lose their lives and lose their land and property ... I felt that it would be a sin before God for me to continue wearing my gold. I felt it would be insensitive and disrespectful to the people who lost everything, so I stopped wearing my gold.’”

Comments echoed applause and many other anecdotes the actor had shared from the life lessons he received. @PGonzo577 said, “Always need to remember where you were so you don’t forget why you are changing destinations.” @JordanSour1 said, “The only thing anyone should be paying attention to is Mr. T’s heart of gold. A true inspiration.”

This article originally appeared 9 months ago.