Who Is Tom Laughlin? Age, Biography and Wiki
Tom Laughlin was born on August 10, 1931, and passed away on December 12, 2013. He was a multi-talented American actor, director, and two-time presidential candidate known for his role as Billy Jack in the popular film series of the same name. Laughlin's enduring influence can still be felt in cinema and popular culture. As of 2025, he would have been 93 years old.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1931 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 12 December, 2013 |
| Died Place | Thousand Oaks, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Tom Laughlin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although exact measurements may have varied throughout his lifetime, Tom Laughlin was known to have a tall stature with a height of approximately 6 feet (183 cm). His weight typically fluctuated around 190 pounds (86 kg), showcasing a fit physique that he maintained to perform his stunts and roles effectively.
In 1984, he purchased a series of 12 advertisements in Variety condemning various aspects of the film industry and its treatment of independent filmmakers. He created a blueprint for taking control of the home video distribution industry as a way for independent films to be seen.
In 1985, he began production of a fifth Billy Jack film, The Return of Billy Jack, which featured the title character fighting child pornographers in New York City. However, he suffered a concussion and neck injury during filming, which led to the production being suspended.
During this hiatus, funding for the picture ran out and production was never resumed. Later on, Laughlin had his mansion in Brentwood, California foreclosed. He attempted to sue to get it back a couple of years later.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Tom Laughlin was married to actress Delores Taylor from 1954 until his passing in 2013. The couple often collaborated on various film projects, achieving significant recognition. They had three children together, adding to the family dynamic that would support Laughlin's creative endeavors throughout his life. While details about any other relationships during his lifetime are scarce, his marriage to Taylor was the cornerstone of both his personal and professional life.
Laughlin decided to become an actor after seeing a production of A Streetcar Named Desire. According to a 1956 newspaper interview, he became involved in the drama program at Marquette after being encouraged by a university professor, Father John J. Walsh.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Tom Laughlin's estimated net worth was around $3 million. This wealth was accumulated not only through his successful acting career but also through his entrepreneurial ventures and film productions. His work on the Billy Jack series earned him both critical and commercial success, contributing significantly to his financial standing.
Laughlin had been in dispute with AIP and reached a settlement in 1974, agreeing to pay them $2 million, including $500,000 from The Born Losers reissue and $250,000 for AIP's percentage share of The Trial of Billy Jack.
Career, Business and Investments
Tom Laughlin's career spanned several decades, during which he showcased his talents in acting, directing, and producing. He gained fame for his portrayal of the character Billy Jack, a half-Indian Green Beret who fought against injustice. This character became an emblem of the counterculture movement in the 1970s.
In addition to his film career, Laughlin was involved in various business ventures. He founded a production company and became an advocate for martial arts and wellness, leveraging his passions into profitable initiatives. His investments in film and production helped launch the careers of many aspiring filmmakers and actors.
Laughlin was best known for co-producing and starring in the four Billy Jack films, His unique promotion of The Trial of Billy Jack (TV trailers during national news and an "opening day" nationwide release) was a major influence on the way films are marketed.
Social Network
While Tom Laughlin may not have had an active presence on social media platforms during his lifetime, his legacy continues to be celebrated by fans through various online tributes. His impact as an actor and activist can still be found in discussions across social media platforms and forums focused on classic cinema and social change.
He appeared in several episodes of various television series throughout the late 1950s. In 1958, Mr. Laughlin appeared in a small but memorable role in South Pacific, the movie version of the James Michener book and Rodgers and Hammerstein musical as a Navy pilot, Lt. Buzz Adams.
In 1959, he was cast as young Tom Fowler in the episode "The Fight Back" of the NBC Western series, Riverboat. In the story line, Fowler has made himself the boss of Hampton, a corrupt river town near Vicksburg, Mississippi. He blocks farmers from shipping their crops to market.
In a dispute over a wedding held on the river vessel, the Enterprise, a lynch mob led by Fowler comes after Captain Grey Holden (series star Darren McGavin). Also appearing in this episode are John Ireland as Chris Slade and Karl Swenson as Ansel Torgin.
That same year, Laughlin starred in the western series Tales of Wells Fargo, the episode titled "The Quiet Village". Laughlin also appeared in the 1959 movie Battle of the Coral Sea with Cliff Robertson and L. Q. Jones.
Education
Tom Laughlin attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he initially pursued a degree in acting. His education played a crucial role in shaping his career, giving him the foundation to explore various artistic avenues as he became a prominent figure in the world of entertainment. His dedication to education continued throughout his life, influencing his work and advocacy for social issues.
He attended Washington High School, where he was involved in an athletics controversy that made headlines throughout the city, caused by Laughlin being forced to attend another school for a brief period, making him ineligible to play football at his former school on his return.
