Tom Laughlin (actor)
Tom Laughlin (born August 10, 1931) is an American actor. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Laughlin is best known for his series of "Billy Jack" movies.
Before coming into the public consciousness, Laughlin had appeared in a few films such as These Wilder Years, Tea and Sympathy and South Pacific. In 1967 he wrote (as E. James Lloyd), directed (as T. C. Frank) and starred in The Born Losers, the first film in which the character of Billy Jack appeared. He followed this up with the sequel, Billy Jack, which was very successful, and The Trial of Billy Jack, which was also successful. But the 1977 version of the franchise, Billy Jack Goes to Washington, was a failure, and proved to be Laughlin's last film as a director.
Laughlin has acted in such more recent movies as The Big Sleep and The Legend of the Lone Ranger.
In recent years, Laughlin has turned his eye to politics, an arena that has always interested him. In 1992 he sought the Democratic Party nomination for President, and appeared on the primary ballots in New Hampshire and several other states. Despite being excluded from debates by party officials who did not consider him a serious candidate, he received 2% of the vote in the New Hampshire primary. He has announced his desire to run again for President, and for Governor of California.
External link
Categories: 1931 births