In 1985, George Peppard said he was ''a better man than he used to be''
People change — that's not news. However, it makes for an interesting read when it's an actor that many people thought lost their flame when they were hot. We've heard all about how George Peppard went from riches to rags after being labeled a "Bad Boy" in Hollywood. Times have changed now, and that image might work in the favor of certain celebrities these days, but back then, it was like asking not to be cast in productions.
Peppard rebuilt his castle (well, not literally. We don't know if he lived in a castle or not). What we mean is that he dust himself off and showed Hollywood that he was ready to return to greatness. For the actor, this opportunity came in the form of a character named John "Hannibal" Smith.
In the action-adventure series The A-Team, Peppard is a leader — the good-looking Lieutenant Colonel who comes up with the plans that need a little work overall, but that's why he, B.A, Faceman, and Howling Mad make a perfect team. The show premiered in 1983, giving Peppard a new outlook on his career and life. Two years later, he did an interview with the Abilene Reporter-News, saying that his troubles had been left in the past.
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"I'm ready for marriage now because I'm a better man than I used to be," he said. "I don't fear the future. My personal life and career couldn't be better."
That was true! The actor was starring in the most popular TV series at the time, and he got married again to a painter. Everything was looking up for Peppard. He enjoyed being Hannibal and shared some traits with the fictional role. However, being one-hundred percent fearless wasn't one of them.
"Hannibal is fascinating because he's the kind of man who would go on a suicide mission. But that doesn't mean I secretly harbor death tendencies myself," he added.