Tom McLoughlin
The director of Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives.
Thomas Maurice McLoughlin is an American screenwriter, film/television director and former mime who is most notable for directing Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives and One Dark Night. His other credits include numerous television films such as Murder in Greenwich, At Risk, Cyber Seduction: His Secret Life, Date with an Angel and the 2010 Lifetime Movie Network film The Wronged Man. In 1977, McLoughlin was nominated for the Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program for his contributions to Van Dyke and Company, a special starring Dick Van Dyke. Two years later, he portrayed the robot S.T.A.R. (Special Troops/Arms Regiment) in the Disney film The Black Hole. He also played (along with Kevin Peter Hall) Katahdin, the mutated bear in the 1979 horror film Prophecy.
- Role
- Director
- Franchise Entry
- Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
McLoughlin's directorial work on Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives is his most notable contribution to the franchise. The source confirms he directed this installment, which is known for bringing a distinct tone to the series. Beyond this, the source does not provide details about his specific creative approach, the resurrection scene, or any behind-the-scenes production elements for this film. His broader career includes writing for television (earning an Emmy nomination for Van Dyke and Company in 1977) and acting roles, such as playing the robot S.T.A.R. in The Black Hole and the mutated bear Katahdin in Prophecy.
In Their Own Story
The source does not provide a narrative or story elements about Tom McLoughlin's work on Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives beyond confirming he directed it. No specific scenes, quotes, or plot details from the film are attributed to him in the source material.
Reader's Guide
Tom McLoughlin directed Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, which is his most notable film credit. The source does not include information about production details, casting choices (including Kane Hodder), box office performance, or the film's cultural impact. His other directing credits include numerous television films such as Murder in Greenwich, At Risk, Cyber Seduction: His Secret Life, Date with an Angel, and The Wronged Man. He also wrote for television, earning an Emmy nomination in 1977 for Van Dyke and Company. As an actor, he portrayed the robot S.T.A.R. in The Black Hole (1979) and co-played Katahdin, the mutated bear in Prophecy (1979) alongside Kevin Peter Hall.
Did You Know?
- Tom McLoughlin was nominated for an Emmy Award in 1977 for Outstanding Writing for a Variety, Music or Comedy Program for his work on Van Dyke and Company.
- He portrayed the robot S.T.A.R. (Special Troops/Arms Regiment) in the 1979 Disney film The Black Hole.
- Along with Kevin Peter Hall, he played Katahdin, the mutated bear in the 1979 horror film Prophecy.
- He directed the 2010 Lifetime Movie Network film The Wronged Man.
- McLoughlin is a former mime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Tom McLoughlin in relation to Friday the 13th?
He is an American director and screenwriter best known for revitalizing the franchise with Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. Before his film career, he worked as a mime and received an Emmy nomination for writing on Dick Van Dyke's variety show.
Which specific entry did Tom McLoughlin direct?
McLoughlin directed Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives, which is widely considered a fan favorite for its horror-comedy tone. His direction brought a new energy to Jason Voorhees by resurrecting him with lightning in the opening scene.
Why is Tom McLoughlin important to the franchise legacy?
He is credited with establishing the modern template for Jason's resurrection and supernatural abilities that influenced later sequels. His work on Part VI shifted the series back toward horror after the more action-oriented entries of Part IV and V.
What other films has Tom McLoughlin worked on?
Beyond Friday the 13th, he directed the slasher film One Dark Night and numerous made-for-TV movies like Murder in Greenwich. He also wrote for television programs such as Van Dyke and Company early in his career.
How did Tom McLoughlin's style affect Jason Lives?
His background influenced a campy yet scary atmosphere that balanced gore with humor throughout the production. This specific blend of tones helped define the direction of the franchise for several subsequent installments.
More in Behind the Scenes & Legacy
Elsewhere in the Friday the 13th universe
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