Be Somebody... or Be Somebody's Fool! is a 1984 motivational video hosted by American actor Mr. T and distributed by MCA Home Video.

Synopsis

The video proceeds strongly from new wave and R&B culture of the mid-1980s to appeal to children to respect adults, avoid peer pressure, and build self-confidence. It features a showcase of emerging talent, including Ice-T, New Edition, Fergie (credited as "Stacy Ferguson"), Kelly Jo Minter, Martika, Janice Kawaye, Tammy Townsend, Bumper Robinson, Shanice and Valerie Landsburg. Several years later, the video has led to a proliferation of video clips that are posted on the Internet.

Production

The project was produced by screenwriter Topper Carew, who had previously wrote and produced the film D.C. Cab, in which Mr. T also appeared. The video was accompanied by a soundtrack album released by MCA Records and a companion book published by St. Martin's Press. Mr. T returned to motivational roles for the 2006 reality television series I Pity the Fool.

Segments

Be Somebody consists of many segments, with each delineated by a title caption at the bottom of the screen. These include: