RIP Tom Laughlin

 

 

Filmmaking auteur, indie-film pioneer, and political activist, Tom Laughlin (PeekYou profile here) — best known for writing, directing, producing, distributing, and starring in the Billy Jack series of films in the 70s — has passed away at the age of 82.

Whatever one might say of his films — and you can see what many have had to say at Rotten Tomatoes here — one can’t deny that the man was a visionary of a sort, and impressive in his unwavering, uncompromising dedication to that vision.

Like the character he brought to life on screen, so memorably and to such great popularity, and as symbolized in the iconic scene in the video above, Laughlin was a guy who knew how to stick up for himself, and for those he felt couldn’t stick up for themselves. To learn more, check out his PeekYou profile.