Dirk Benedict was not in The A-Team pilot because another actor, Tim Dunigan, originally played the role of Templeton "Faceman" Peck in the unaired pilot episode. Benedict was later cast to replace Dunigan before the series officially aired.
The Original Casting of "Faceman"
When The A-Team pilot was filmed, the role of the charming con artist Templeton Peck, known as "Faceman," was initially portrayed by actor Tim Dunigan. Dunigan filmed the pilot episode as part of the core quartet of former U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers on the run.
Reason for Replacement
Producers decided to replace Tim Dunigan after the pilot was completed. The primary reason for this change was a concern that Dunigan looked too young to believably portray a Vietnam War veteran. The characters in The A-Team were established as having served in the Vietnam War, and the producers felt that Dunigan's youthful appearance detracted from the credibility of this backstory.
Subsequently, Dirk Benedict was cast in the role, taking over as Faceman for the rest of the series run. Benedict's portrayal became iconic and is the one most widely recognized by fans of the show.
Here's a quick comparison of the actors in the role:
| Character | Pilot Actor | Series Actor | Reason for Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Templeton "Faceman" Peck | Tim Dunigan | Dirk Benedict | Perceived as too young for a Vietnam veteran |
This casting change is a notable part of the show's early production history, leading to the familiar lineup that captivated audiences for five seasons. You can learn more about the series and its cast on The A-Team's IMDb page.
