Tom Laughlin
ActingAbout Tom Laughlin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Thomas Robert Laughlin Jr. (August 10, 1931 – December 12, 2013) was an American actor, director, screenwriter, author, educator, and activist. Laughlin was best known for his series of Billy Jack films. He was married to actress Delores Taylor from 1954 until his death. Taylor co-produced and acted in all 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. In the early 1960s, Laughlin put his film career on hiatus to start a Montessori preschool in Santa Monica, California; it became the largest school of its kind in the United States. In his later years, he sought the office of President of the United States in 1992, 2004, and 2008. He was involved in psychology and domestic abuse counseling, writing several books on Jungian psychology and developing theories on the causes of cancer.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of Tom Laughlin reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 17 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Drama
The majority of Tom Laughlin's filmography leans towards the Drama genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 12% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), Tom Laughlin remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Senior Prom, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best Tom Laughlin Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from Tom Laughlin's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of Tom Laughlin.
| Year | Movie | Character | Success | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Billy Jack Goes to Washington | Billy Jack | Average | Similar → |
| 1976 | Voyage of the Damned | Engineering Officer (uncredited) | Average | Similar → |
| 1975 | The Master Gunfighter | Finley | Flop | Similar → |
| 1974 | The Trial of Billy Jack | Billy Jack | Average | Similar → |
| 1971 | Billy Jack | Billy Jack | Average | Similar → |
| N/A | The Return of Billy Jack | Billy Jack | Flop | Similar → |
| 1967 | The Born Losers | Billy Jack | Average | Similar → |
| 1965 | Like Father, Like Son | Chris Wotan | Flop | Similar → |
| 1960 | Tall Story | Fred Jensen | Flop | Similar → |
| 1960 | The Proper Time | Mickey Henderson | Flop | Similar → |
| 1959 | Battle of the Coral Sea | Ens. Franklin | Average | Similar → |
| 1959 | Gidget | Lover Boy | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | Senior Prom | Carter Breed III | Hit | Similar → |
| 1958 | South Pacific | Lt. Buzz Adams | Average | Similar → |
| 1958 | Lafayette Escadrille | Arthur Blumenthal | Flop | Similar → |
| 1957 | The Delinquents | Scotty White | Flop | Similar → |
| 1956 | Tea and Sympathy | Ralph | Hit | Similar → |
Tom Laughlin - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of Tom Laughlin?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring Tom Laughlin is "Senior Prom" with a rating of 7.0/10.
How many movies has Tom Laughlin acted in?
Tom Laughlin has been featured in at least 17 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by Tom Laughlin?
Other notable films include "Tea and Sympathy", "Billy Jack Goes to Washington", and "South Pacific".