Actor, Motion Picture Director. He will be best remembered for starring, directing and screenwriting the popular 1970s cult picture series "Billy Jack." Born Thomas Robert Laughlin, he was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He played collegiate football at Marquette University and during this period, he became interested in acting. In addition to performing, Laughlin served as a director and established his own stock company. After enrolling at the University of South Dakota, he centered his attention on his major in Radio Acting, as well as directing and producing. He experienced his TV debut in an episode of the series "Climax!" (1955) and was cast for the part of Ralph in the Vincente Minnelli picture "Tea and Sympathy" (1956). His breakthrough role was playing the lead part of Scotty in the early Robert Altman effort "The Delinquents" (1957). Following credits in the films "South Pacific" (1958) and "Gidget" (1959), he marked his directing debut with the low-budget picture "The Proper Time" (which he also starred in and penned the script, 1962). In 1967, the character of "Billy Jack" debuted in the film "The Born Losers" for which was followed with the sequels "Billy Jack" (1971), "The Trial of Billy Jack" (1974) and "Billy Jack Goes to Washington" (1977). After retiring from acting during the 1980s, he became involved in politics and ran for President of the United States a few times. In addition, he authored several books. In 1954, he married actress Delores Taylor (who co-wrote and produced the "Billy Jack" films) and remained with her until his death.
Actor, Motion Picture Director. He will be best remembered for starring, directing and screenwriting the popular 1970s cult picture series "Billy Jack." Born Thomas Robert Laughlin, he was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He played collegiate football at Marquette University and during this period, he became interested in acting. In addition to performing, Laughlin served as a director and established his own stock company. After enrolling at the University of South Dakota, he centered his attention on his major in Radio Acting, as well as directing and producing. He experienced his TV debut in an episode of the series "Climax!" (1955) and was cast for the part of Ralph in the Vincente Minnelli picture "Tea and Sympathy" (1956). His breakthrough role was playing the lead part of Scotty in the early Robert Altman effort "The Delinquents" (1957). Following credits in the films "South Pacific" (1958) and "Gidget" (1959), he marked his directing debut with the low-budget picture "The Proper Time" (which he also starred in and penned the script, 1962). In 1967, the character of "Billy Jack" debuted in the film "The Born Losers" for which was followed with the sequels "Billy Jack" (1971), "The Trial of Billy Jack" (1974) and "Billy Jack Goes to Washington" (1977). After retiring from acting during the 1980s, he became involved in politics and ran for President of the United States a few times. In addition, he authored several books. In 1954, he married actress Delores Taylor (who co-wrote and produced the "Billy Jack" films) and remained with her until his death.
Bio by: C.S.
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