They Pity The Fools

By Sarah Lilleyman

Did you think Mr. T was just talk? This fall, the A-Team star and born-again Christian acts on his tagline with a new reality show on TV Land called--what else?--I Pity the Fool. Turns out he pities the fools so much that he'll help them change their lives, applying his moral "rules for fools" to hapless willing subjects on each episode. Mr. T isn't the only 1980s TV personality using retro-star status to spread his gospel. Here are four more

WILLIE AAMES Charles in Charge Buddy is a sidekick no more. Aames went on to star in the Christian TV show Bibleman, fighting evildoers like the Gossip Queen. He retired his "sword of truth" in '04, but Bibleman is out on DVD.

LISA WHELCHEL The Facts of Life Shopaholic Blair is now a prayeraholic writer who dispenses Christian parenting tips. Her latest book, Taking Care of the Me in Mommy, suggests making time to "linger in the word and tarry in prayer."

TODD BRIDGES Diff'rent Strokes What you talkin' 'bout, Willis? The answer today: God. Bridges travels the U.S. speaking on his faith and recovery from drug addiction. He's also writing an autobiography, Finding Freedom.

KIRK CAMERON Growing Pains The ex-atheist, who played Mike Seaver, has starred in the Left Behind films, based on the popular apocalyptic books, and runs the Way of the Master, a ministry to teach evangelism techniques.