Titled "Overcoming Adversity: From the Streets to Stardom," Ice-T's talk will reflect on the challenges he's faced and how he built a career that spans music, television and film.
The sold-out event begins at 7:30 p.m. at UT Arlington's Texas Hall (701 W. Nedderman Dr., Arlington). Standby tickets are available at utatickets.com. Before his talk, Ice-T will teach a "master class" to a group of UTA students.
Ice-T's background has made him a powerful voice for young people, regardless of race, across America. Born an only child in New Jersey, he lost his parents before age 11 and was sent to Los Angeles to live with an aunt who struggled with alcoholism. By 16, he had struck out on his own, becoming entangled in the L.A. gang scene before enlisting in the U.S. Army.
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Ice-T broke into the entertainment industry, pioneering the West Coast "gangsta" rap style with songs like "6 in the Mornin'" and "New Jack Hustler." He went on to build a successful acting career in film and television, and he currently stars as Detective Odafin Tutuola in NBC's "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." The show is the longest-running TV drama in history, and Ice-T has appeared in every season
In addition to his work on screen, he has served as a spokesperson for major brands including Tide, CarShield, Cheerios, Sanofi and GE. He's also the author of four books and earned a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2023.
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UTA's Maverick Speakers Series is celebrating its 17th season. Past guests included LaVar Burton, Jack Hanna, Terry Crews, Anna Deavere Smith, Seth Meyers, Emmitt Smith, Soledad O'Brien and more.
