Tom Laughlin ("Billy Jack") 1931-2013 - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Zoneboy · 12-15-2013, 05:24 PM

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Tom Laughlin, the maverick actor and filmmaker best known for the "Billy Jack" films, has died. He was 82.

Laughlin died Thursday in Thousand Oaks, his family announced.

Laughlin had been married to actress Delores Taylor since 1954 and also had several ill-fated runs for president. But he was best known for the "Billy Jack" films, which also starred Taylor. In 1967, he wrote and directed (under the pseudonym T.C. Frank) and starred in "The Born Losers," a motorcycle exploitation film that became a big box-office hit. It introduced the world to the part-Native American Vietnam veteran title character.

The 1971 sequel, the vigilante-themed "Billy Jack," was, after a legal battle with studio Warner Bros., released independently. It also became a box-office smash, though it generated controversy for its suggestion of guns and violence as a justice-seeking tool.

Laughlin co-produced and starred in all four "Jack" films, including the little-seen final one, 1977's "Billy Jack Goes to Washington." The third film, "The Trial of Billy Jack," was one of the first movies to get a major television and national advertising push.

Laughlin was also known for his activisim -- he started a Montessori preschool and ran for president on three occasions. He had spoken in recent years of trying to bring the Jack character back to the big screen.

Marvo301 · 12-15-2013, 07:17 PM

Tom Laughlin

Torgo · 12-15-2013, 07:32 PM

RIP. I love the Billy Jack films.

JamesG · 12-15-2013, 10:22 PM

Sad.

I have the Billy Jack box set released back in 2000.

Skywalker · 12-16-2013, 05:19 PM

R.I.P. Tom.

The Born Losers is a great, underrated film.

12-15-2013, 05:24 PM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,408	Tom Laughlin ("Billy Jack") 1931-2013 Link Tom Laughlin, the maverick actor and filmmaker best known for the "Billy Jack" films, has died. He was 82. Laughlin died Thursday in Thousand Oaks, his family announced. Laughlin had been married to actress Delores Taylor since 1954 and also had several ill-fated runs for president. But he was best known for the "Billy Jack" films, which also starred Taylor. In 1967, he wrote and directed (under the pseudonym T.C. Frank) and starred in "The Born Losers," a motorcycle exploitation film that became a big box-office hit. It introduced the world to the part-Native American Vietnam veteran title character. The 1971 sequel, the vigilante-themed "Billy Jack," was, after a legal battle with studio Warner Bros., released independently. It also became a box-office smash, though it generated controversy for its suggestion of guns and violence as a justice-seeking tool. Laughlin co-produced and starred in all four "Jack" films, including the little-seen final one, 1977's "Billy Jack Goes to Washington." The third film, "The Trial of Billy Jack," was one of the first movies to get a major television and national advertising push. Laughlin was also known for his activisim -- he started a Montessori preschool and ran for president on three occasions. He had spoken in recent years of trying to bring the Jack character back to the big screen.
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12-15-2013, 07:17 PM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,456	Tom Laughlin
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

12-15-2013, 07:32 PM	#3
Torgo Omaha & Fritz Forum Star Join Date: Mar 06, 2004 Location: Oregon Posts: 19,036	RIP. I love the Billy Jack films.
	__________________ "I'm going to go do something productive. I'm gonna go watch television." - Ray Peterson, The 'burbs "I am the literary equivalent of a Big Mac and Fries." - Stephen King "There's nothing wrong with G-rated movies, as long as there's lots of sex and violence." - Elvira

12-15-2013, 10:22 PM	#4
JamesG Freakshow Moderator Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 01, 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Posts: 57,136	Sad. I have the Billy Jack box set released back in 2000. Attached Images

12-16-2013, 05:19 PM	#5
Skywalker Member Forum Fanatic Join Date: Apr 04, 2003 Posts: 14,204	R.I.P. Tom. The Born Losers is a great, underrated film.