Frank ‘Stars’ in Billy Jack (+ 14yo combover)

I’m asked a lot why I wasn’t in the ‘Billy Jack’. I have to explain a) I didn’t want to be (at which point people look at me like I’m from Mars), and b) I was in the film (kind of). While I don’t appear in the film in any way that the audience would recognize as me, I do appear frequently as the star and hero, Billy Jack.

Tom directed and starred in the film. It’s hard to star and direct, period. But impossible when your character appears in the distance and the directing needs to be done in the foreground. In those cases, I put on the Billy Jack outfit, the hat, and was Billy Jack - from afar. Examples (below) were most of the time Billy was riding the motorcycle. Tom couldn’t ride the motorcycle and see the take (there was no video assist back in those days - you either saw what happened live or you didn’t).

And, since this will be the only post about me, let’s talk a moment about my 14-year-old comb over. And the view from the back — it looks like I get my hair cut by cave people using sharp rocks. Oh well, comb-over or not, I’d welcome all that hair back anytime.

TC and I talking to Tom and (behind TC) Andy Vidovich

Warming up for a turn as Billy...

It's like I wasn't allowed to go to an actual barber...

Okay. My mistake. I realize you can’t say something like, ‘I was this HUGE international film star at 14′, and not provide some evidence to back it up. So, since we all know where the ‘proof’ is, doubters, I’d like to offer you some tasty PUDDING… (see below added pix of me in action as Billy Jack)

Me (Frank) doubling Tom riding away from Jean on my (Tom's) way to get Bernard... that no good...

This one's a bit better. Pretty obvious by the biting of the lip, hoping I don't screw up, that this ISN'T a hunk of macho on that sweet Triumph motorcycle.

7 Responses to Frank ‘Stars’ in Billy Jack (+ 14yo combover)
  1. ray

    Growing up BIlly Jack was the best action film I seen.to bad you did not get credit for doing the stunts. But its cool knowing people know now that you played a part in the movie .

    Current score: 0

  2. casper

    wow the perfect double for tom, his boy- frank looks just like his old man! thats great.i wonder what kinda novelty factor that had for him in high school …hey, that dude over by the drinkin’ fountain looks alot like billy jack…thats coz billy jack is the dudes’ old man, man….that is bitchin’.

    Current score: 0

  3. Jim "Moose" Brown

    This is the coolest website ever!! So glad I found it,

    Jim “Moose” Brown

    Current score: 0

  4. I’m gonna have to look for these scenes on the DVD and watch in super slow mo.

    Current score: 0

    • admin

      Okay. My mistake. I realize you can’t say something like, ‘I was this HUGE international film star at 14′, and not provide some evidence to back it up. So, since we all know where the ‘proof’ is, my doubting friend, I’d like to offer you a tasty helping of PUDDING… (see added pix)

      Current score: 2

  5. christina laughlin

    Brother…comb over or not, you were, are and will always be a fox. But what is up with your loafers? They should’ve given you cool boots!

    Current score: 3

  6. patty

    Tom you rock now like you did in the day. I played euchre with you one night(on yahoo) come play again in lounge 10 in social every night. Would be great to chat with you. But i get so star stuck when i see you lol. It was wonderful, your just as handsome as in the 70s. I did buy all your dvds and let my son watch you in action. He liked them also. Hope all is well with you. Would love to see you act again. Are you coming out with anything soon? Take care, huggss patty

    Current score: 2

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