'Billy Jack' star Tom Laughlin dies

Actor-director Tom Laughlin, who rose to fame by his film 'Billy Jack', passed away at the age of 82.
Laughlin's family announced on the website BillyJack.Com that the actor died on December 12 in Thousand Oaks after suffering from pneumonia, said the Hollywood Reporter.
Laughlin began his journey into Hollywood by acting in small parts in films and TV shows in the 1950s and 1960s. He also appeared in films 'South Pacific', 'Gidget' and played the lead in 'The Delinquents'.
Laughlin turned filmmaker with a series of 'Billy Jack' films, which became his signature character after he played the lead.

The film's anti-establishment attitude captured the attention of the world.
In the four 'Billy Jack' movies, Laughlin's character was that of a mystical hero with martial-arts skills, which he played opposite his wife, Delores Taylor.
An activist in real life, Laughlin ran for US president in 1992, 2004 and 2008.
The actor is survived by his wife of 60 years, Delores Laughlin, three children and five grandchildren.