Tom Laughlin, the actor who wrote, directed, starred in and distributed the 1970s’ Billy Jack films, died on Thursday in California. He was 82.

Actor Tom Laughlin Dies

Billy Jack was the second of four movies featuring the title character, a half-Native American former Green Beret and Vietnam veteran, as he fought on the side of a progressive school that sought desegregation. The people in the Western town wanted to keep the Native American students out of the system, which Billy Jack wouldn’t stand for.

Studios wanted nothing to do with the sequel, believing that the vigilante nature of Billy Jack would be a turn off to audiences. However, after Laughlin secured theaters to show the film, it went on to become a box-office success. His legwork to make the film happen is credited with being an inspiration to modern independent filmmakers and changing Hollywood’s marketing strategies.

Laughlin is best known for the four Billy Jack films – The Born Losers (1967), Billy Jack (1971), The Trial of Billy Jack (1974) and Billy Jack Goes to Washington (1977). His last film role was in the 1981 movie The Legend of the Lone Ranger as Neeley.

Following the end of his acting career, Laughlin pursued his political interests and launched his first campaign for the presidency in 1992. He made second and third goes of it in 2004 and 2008. He was a longtime opponent of nuclear energy and an activist for Native Americans. He also founded a Montessori school in Santa Monica, Calif.

Laughlin is survived by his wife of 60 years Delores Taylor, three children and eight grandchildren.

– Chelsea Regan

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