If you close your eyes and think of the 1980s, you probably see three things: neon leg warmers, a Rubik's Cube, and a mountain of a man covered in gold chains. Mr. T—born Laurence Tureaud—wasn't just a celebrity. He was a phenomenon. But the "A-Team" star and the man who famously "pitied the fool" as Clubber Lang in Rocky III has stepped back from the blinding glare of Hollywood.
People constantly ask, where does Mr. T live now? Is he still in a mansion tucked away behind security gates? Did he go back to his roots? Honestly, the answer tells a story about a man who realized that all the gold in the world doesn't matter as much as peace of mind. While he was once the face of every lunchbox in America, Mr. T's current life is remarkably grounded.
The Chicago Connection: Staying True to the 312
You can take the man out of Chicago, but you can’t take the Windy City out of the man. Despite his years of fame in Los Angeles, Mr. T has remained deeply tied to his home state of Illinois.
For a long time, he was famous for a massive estate in Lake Forest, Illinois. This wasn't just any house; it was a 15,000-square-foot English Tudor mansion sitting on eight acres. It had nine bedrooms and ten bathrooms. Basically, it was a palace. However, he actually sold that legendary property way back in 2003 for about $3.85 million.
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Since then, he’s kept a much lower profile. He still maintains a residence in the Chicago area, though he’s much more likely to be spotted at a local grocery store or a charity event than a red-carpet premiere. He values his privacy. He’s not living in a glass house for the paparazzi to see.
The Albuquerque Getaway
Here is something most people don’t realize: Mr. T also spends a significant amount of his time in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
It’s a bit of a curveball, right? You’d expect Malibu or maybe Las Vegas. But Albuquerque offers a kind of anonymity that a guy with a mohawk desperately needs if he wants to live a "normal" life. Reports indicate he splits his time between the Midwest and the Southwest.
The dry air and the slower pace of New Mexico seem to suit him. He’s into his 70s now, and after a well-documented battle with T-cell lymphoma in the 1990s (which is now in remission, thankfully), he’s focused on longevity and health.
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Why He Left the "Tree Massacre" Behind
We have to talk about the trees. If you’re a real fan, you remember the "Lake Forest Tree Massacre" of 1987. Mr. T got into a massive feud with his neighbors because he used a chainsaw to cut down over 100 mature oak trees on his property.
Why? He said his allergies were acting up.
The town went berserk. They actually passed a "tree ordinance" because of him. It’s the kind of legendary celebrity drama that just doesn't happen anymore. These days, his "residence" is a lot less controversial. He isn't out there with a chainsaw. He’s mostly focused on his faith and his family.
Life as a Born-Again Christian
Where he lives physically is only half the story. Where he lives spiritually is what defines him now. Mr. T is a devout born-again Christian.
If you follow his social media, you’ll see he doesn't post about fast cars or expensive jewelry. In fact, he famously stopped wearing his signature gold chains after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He said it would be an insult to God to wear all that gold when people were losing everything.
His "home" is often the local church or community centers where he gives back. He spent his recent 72nd birthday feeding those less fortunate. That’s a long way from the "I pity the fool" persona of the '80s.
What Most People Get Wrong About His Wealth
There’s a misconception that because he’s not on a weekly sitcom, he must be struggling.
Wrong.
Mr. T was one of the first celebrities to truly master the art of branding. Between the A-Team royalties, the Rocky checks, and those iconic 1-800-COLLECT commercials, he made a fortune. He’s not living in Chicago or Albuquerque because he has to; he’s living there because he wants to. He has enough money to live anywhere, but he chooses places that feel like home.
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Catching a Glimpse of the Legend in 2026
If you’re hoping to run into him, your best bet isn't a Hollywood club. It’s actually at fan conventions. Just recently, he was a huge hit at Fan Expo Dallas, where he spent hours talking to fans. He is surprisingly approachable. He’ll talk your ear off about faith, the Army, and why you should stay in school.
He still has the mohawk. He still has the muscles. He just doesn't have the ego.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Respect the Privacy: While he’s known to be friendly in public, he’s moved away from Lake Forest specifically to avoid the "celebrity tour bus" lifestyle.
- Check the Conventions: If you want to see him, look for "Fan Expo" or "Comic-Con" lineups in the Midwest or Texas. He’s a regular on the circuit.
- Follow the Faith: His most active presence is on Instagram and X (Twitter), where he posts daily motivational and religious messages.
- Look to the South: If you’re in Albuquerque, keep your eyes peeled. He’s been known to frequent local spots without the "tough guy" entourage.
Mr. T has successfully done what very few '80s icons managed to do: he grew up. He traded the "B.A. Baracus" anger for a peaceful life between Chicago and the New Mexico desert. He’s healthy, he’s happy, and he’s still the toughest guy in the room—even if he’s just there to buy a gallon of milk.
Next Steps for Readers:
To see what Mr. T is up to this week, you can check his official social media channels, where he frequently posts videos from his current home office, sharing life advice and workout tips that prove age is just a number.