He later reprised his role inA Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors. I never got around to thanking him in person, but I hope he won't mind if we meet in the next life, I would love to give him a big hug and kiss of thanks! My condolences to the family. Early in his career he often played teenage-heartthrob types. Reposez en Paix John ! Mr. Saxon with Bruce Lee (in black) in the 1973 martial-arts classic Enter the Dragon. In order to make it look real, he once said of his fight scenes, I damn near killed myself.. R.I.P JOHN. John Saxon is the only actor to ever steal a movie from Marlon Brando, Tarantino said. He recalled that for one photo shoot, he was cast as a Puerto Rican teenager, photographed while slumped against a trash can with a fake gunshot wound. Saxon won a Golden Globe for best supporting actor in 1966 for his role alongside Marlon Brando in The Appaloosa.. His wife stated he passed from pneumonia in his Murfreesboro, TN, in a statement to THR. He was great in all his roles he will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to Mr John Saxon's family and friends. He played a police chief who makes a fatal mistake in the Canadian cult classic Black Christmas (1974), featuring Margot Kidder and Keir Dullea, and his horror rsum also includes two films for Roger Corman: Queen of Blood (1966) and Battle Beyond the Stars (1980), playing a tyrannical warlord. Share. In a career that began in the 1950s, when he often played teenage-heartthrobs, Mr. Saxon accumulated almost 200 film and TV credits, including Enter the Dragon, in which he played a gambler competing in a martial arts tournament. JOHN SAXON OBITUARY. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. I will.miss him so. Loved his movies and TV appearances enter the dragon of course. Deadline is a part of Penske Media Corporation. As Saxon aged, he transitioned into a character actor, working across Europe in the 60s, including roles in Mario Bavas seminal giallo The Girl Who Knew Too Much, and other films shot in Italy, the Philippines and Britain. Their efficiency and their competence meant something to me.. Sign up for service and obituary updates. May God continue to provide comfort, peace, and endurance to the family today, tomorrow, and always. Somehow you find yourself tensing as Mr. Brando, cautious and slow, moves into the alien territory of his wickedly smiling nemesis, who is played by dark-eyed John Saxon with remarkably fearsome oiliness, wrote Crowther. We invite you to share condolences for . Published Jul 27, 2020. The fight at the end of the show was awesome. I have Asperger's syndrome and was moved to tears when I saw his release of 'God's Ears' because there was so much in that movie (next to 'Rainman' and 'Forrest Gump') I could strongly relate to and have been blessed in the sense I have a life partner and friend of 31 yrs who has been there for me and helping me reach my potential in ways I never thought were possible. I saw his movie: The Reluctant Debutante and loved it. May the God of comforts bless your sad and grieving hearts with His peace and strength as you miss and cope with the loss of John in your lives. He married Elizabeth Phillips in 1987; that marriage also ended in divorce, in the 1990s. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER JOHN WHEN HE WAS CAST AS DYLAN HUNT IN GENE RODDENBERRY'S SEQUEL TO "GENESIS II" CALLED "PLANET EARTH". Great actor! Congratulations to the Heavens! Reposez en Paix et Que Dieu Vous Accueille Prs de Lui !!! They were extraordinary; they looked like a professional team, he said. Saxons former wife Elizabeth, who was married to him from 1987 to 1992, posted a tribute following the news. John Saxon was an actor known for roles in films including "Enter the Dragon" alongside Bruce Lee and two of Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" movies. After getting married and having a son, Mr. Saxon said he began to focus on supporting his family, taking parts as they came. Mr. Saxon died Saturday July 25, 2020 in Tennessee, from complications from pneumonia. The Associated Press contributed to this story. Memorial contributions in his name may be made to the Motion Picture and Television Fund. One photo shoot, which he said pictured him as a Puerto Rican guy leaning against a garbage can after he had been shot, caught the attention of Henry Willson, the legendary Hollywood agent who had discovered Hudson and Hunter. Rest in peace Sir. We invite you to share condolences for . With over 1,900 locations, Dignity Memorial providers proudly serve over 375,000 families a year. He started studying martial arts when he came to Hollywood. John Saxon, who skipped school one day as a teenager and stumbled into a long film and television career that included recurring roles on Falcon Crest and other series and a featured role opposite Bruce Lee in the martial-arts classic Enter the Dragon in 1973, died on Saturday in Brentwood, Tenn. He was 83. His name was changed to John Saxon, and he signed a contract that paid him $150 a week for 40 weeks a year. Saxon, though, said that Lee took me seriously. You were the "man" . I loved all your work. John Saxon. In 2017, the Tennessee retirement community where Saxon and his wife lived honoured him with a film festival after residents requested screenings of his movies. He was married three times. Its a touching movie. Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love. He co-starred with Bruce Lee in Enter The Dragon and starred in Wes Cravens A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984. John Saxon was an actor known for roles in films including "Enter the Dragon" alongside Bruce Lee and two of Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" movies. There were times when I had been bullied in school and/or when my self-esteem was at an all-time low and seeing him on TV gave me a real boost, especially when he acted as the gallant knight in shining armor in defending the rights of others on and off screen. MURFREESBORO, Tenn. Actor John Saxon, a versatile actor with a lengthy and prolific career who starred with Bruce Lee in "Enter the Dragon" and appeared in several "Nightmare on Elm Street" movies, has died at his home in Tennessee, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The actor was often cast as a Native American or a Latino. One photo caught the attention of Henry Willson, a noted Hollywood agent, and at 17 (he fudged his age on the contract to make himself a year older) Mr. Saxon was off to Los Angeles for a screen test. His career spanned more than sixty years tallying more than 200 film credits. He was so nice and he asked me my full name. Mr. Saxon was born Carmine Orrico on Aug. 5, 1936, in Brooklyn to Antonio and Anna (Protettore) Orrico. Saxon also served two three-year terms as on the Screen Actors Guilds national board of directors; he was elected in 1985 and again in 2003. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Help tell the story of your loved ones unique life. This article was published more than2 years ago. Id go from something that got reviews in national magazines to the next job that came along. Tell their story, and publish it online for free. This site is provided as a service of SCI Shared Resources, LLC. And to think, he called Murfreesboro, Tn home, as well! Saxons final role was in the 2017 film The Extra.. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. "Mrs. Saxon was so sure he'd hold out until his birthday -- the 5th of August." John Saxon, the stoic yet charismatic character actor who starred in many iconic horror, western and genre films, died in Murfreesboro, Tenn., after a battle with pneumonia, according to multiple reports. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for contacting us. Mr. Saxons first marriage, to Mary Ann Murphy, ended in divorce. This handsome gentleman can now rest in peace as his journey continues on to heaven----Jane M., Austerlitz, NY. The mid- to late-1950s saw Saxon work as a teen idol with credits in films Rock, Pretty Baby, Summer Love,The Reluctant Debutante, This Happy Feeling, and Cry Tough. J'ai vu Opration Dragon (Enter the Dragon) l'ge de 13 ans en 1974 : Vous avez toujours t et vous serez toujours ROPER pour moi ! Even my boyfriend 'Chief' was equally impressed. God bless his family. John was the good or bad guy and been with him since EnterTD, and 6MDMan. John Saxon, a Star of Enter the Dragon, Is Dead at 83, https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/28/arts/television/john-saxon-dead.html. We invite you to share condolences for John Saxon in our Guest Book. As I search the sky at night, I will look for the new star that is his. My deepest condolences to the Saxon family. All Rights Reserved. SO sorry to hear this. Mr. Saxons role in The Appaloosa was evidence of an attribute that kept him working during that period, when Hollywood was less concerned about cross-racial casting than it is today: He played a Mexican bandit. To me, John Saxon was more than just an actor, but also a true humanitarian with some of the roles he played on film and TV. JOHN SAXON OBITUARY. He said that at that time he was 22. Born Carmine Orrico, the son of Italian-American parents, Saxon grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and began modeling while still a teenager. I will continue to watch your movies in your honor. Get our latest storiesin the feed of your favorite networks. His first two marriages, to Mary Ann Murphy and Elizabeth Phillips, ended in divorce, and in 2008 he married Martel. The interviews I saw with him were such an inspiration. May his family find some comfort in these loving messages for him. One of my all time favorite actors. john saxon was a great and human being loved him in the movie fast company with another legend claudia jennings. John Saxon, the darkly handsome actor best known for starring with Bruce Lee in "Enter the Dragon" and appearing in several "A Nightmare on Elm Street" movies, has died at his home in. We invite you to share condolences. Sign the Guest Book. I did a scene with an actress at Universal and they said, OK, the actor recalled in 2012. If Mr. Saxon rarely had a leading role in his long career, he did work with top directors, including John Huston, and he had stories about all of them. Mr. Saxons son, Antonio, confirmed the death but did not have additional details. . His film rsum also included Mario Bavas Evil Eye (1963), Otto Premingers The Cardinal (1963), Blood Beast From Outer Space (1965), The Swiss Conspiracy (1976), Wrong Is Right (1982), Richard Brooks Fever Pitch (1985), Beverly Hills Cop III (1994) and Gods Ears (2008). John was a very considerate man and a lovely person . I remember the movies he played in, he was a very talented actor who will be missed. You have funeral questions, we have answers. You were a big part of my childhood seeing you in movies and TV, always the cool tough guy. Mr. Saxon leaves behind his wife Gloria Martel Saxon; a son Antonio Saxon, stepson; Lance, grandson; Mitchell, and great grandson; Little John. We will love you and miss you always. Reposez en Paix John ! Guest appearances on 70s television staples such as The Six Million Dollar Man, The Bionic Woman, Starsky and Hutch and The Rockford Files brought him small-screen recognition. Survivors also include his son, Antonio, and his sister, Dolores. I started doing jobs for magazines, like Modern Romance, all the Macfadden publications, Saxon told The Times in 2012. At this sad time, may the God of tender mercies comfort you and may your memories sustain you. His skills in judo and karate led to his casting in the Bruce Lee classic Enter the Dragon. He starred in Wes Cravens A Nightmare on Elm Street in 1984, playing the heroines father. Whether youre a lifelong resident of D.C. or you just moved here, weve got you covered. My sincere condolences to the family of a great actor, you're in my prayers. For some people, the best send-off is one that they would have loved to attendthemselves: a big party. My prayers are with you and your family great actor sorry for your loss Georgia Velasquez Denver Colorado. Saxon died of pneumonia in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, his wife, Gloria, told The Hollywood Reporter. 2023 Deadline Hollywood, LLC. His career spanned more than sixty years tallying more than 200 film credits. Godspeed John, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, and the wonderful film and TV memories. My condolences I am his films big fan may his soul rest in peace. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this extremely difficult time. We invite you to share condolences for John Saxon in our Guest Book. He said he did see Mr Saxon at the show and sent me a photo of him with a personal message, which read "THANKS FOR BEING SUCH A BIG FAN, GINA-MARIA!" He won a Golden Globe in 1958 as Most Promising Newcomer Male. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort the family during this extremely difficult time. Influenced many. Ways to honor John Saxon's life and legacy. May he be with God Almighty. Receive a notification when services are updated. Saxon said in an interview with the Chicago Daily Tribune in 1960 that he wanted to do all sorts of character parts.. My deepest condolences to the Saxon family. Sign the Guest Book. Never shy about showing off his machismo, Saxon also co-starred with Clint Eastwood in Joe Kidd (1972) and played a dirty union lawyer in Andrew McLaglens Mitchell (1975). His passing was announced by his wife, who said he died from pneumonia in his home in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Saxon was born Carmine Orrico in Brooklyn in 1935. Pour moi John vous avez toujours t et vous serez toujours Mr ROPER !!! Mr. Saxon in The Reluctant Debutante (1958). RIP John Thanks for being part of my youth. Actress Barbara Crampton wrote on Twitter that Saxon had strength and charm, which was a great combination. Grief researchers say holding that missing funeral service, even a year or more later, can still help us heal. Condolences to the family. I loved his movies etc.. he seemed like a nice guy. Read Full Obituary. While in high school, he worked as a spieler at a Coney Island archery concession, becoming proficient with the bow and arrow. What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative? He was nominated for the 1966 Best Supporting Actor Golden Globe opposite Marlon Brando inThe Appaloosa. Known at the time as Carmine Orrico, he was the only son of an Italian immigrant painter and dock worker, with dark hair, dramatic eyebrows and chiseled features that caught the eye of a male-modeling agent, who handed his business card to the teenager as he walked out of the Times Square movie palace. When the Japanese soldier reached out to shake the larger American's hand, (he) easily flipped the American over his shoulder. John Saxon was an actor known for roles in films including "Enter the Dragon" alongside Bruce Lee and two of Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" movies. He attended the studios workshop for 18 months and then worked with Mamie Van Doren in Running Wild (1955). John Saxon, the rugged actor who kicked around with Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon and appeared in three Nightmare on Elm Street movies for director Wes Craven, died Saturday. Get the day's top news with our Today's Headlines newsletter, sent every weekday morning. Read Full Obituary. He was so nice and he asked me my full name. Mr. Saxon was a supporting player in mainstream films like The Electric Horseman (1979), starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. Mr. Saxon was a great actor. John Saxon was an actor known for roles in films including "Enter the Dragon" alongside Bruce Lee and two of Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" movies. J'ai vu Opration Dragon (Enter the Dragon) l'ge de 13 ans en 1974 : Vous avez toujours t et vous serez toujours ROPER pour moi ! God bless his family. Sign the Guest Book. What an incredible actor he was. Among his 200-plus credits, hes best known for playing the patriarch police officer in the Nightmare series, appearing in the first entry, as well as the 1987 sequel A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors and the meta 1994 chapter Wes Cravens New Nightmare, where he revived his role as well as played a fictionalized version of himself. In addition to his wife and son, from his first marriage, survivors include a sister. John Saxon was an actor known for roles in films including "Enter the Dragon" alongside Bruce Lee and two of Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" movies. It made me wish I had both him and another cult icon I also idolize named James Olson acting as my bodyguards in school, especially when I needed it the most. John Saxon was an actor known for roles in films including "Enter the Dragon" alongside Bruce Lee and two of Wes Craven's "A Nightmare on Elm Street" movies. Unless you are experienced as an estate executor, you probably should hire an attorney. Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. May the God of comforts bless your sad and grieving hearts with His peace and strength as you miss and cope with the loss of John in your lives. john will never be forgotten and may his spirit live on. He played Marco Polo in the ABC science-fiction series The Time Tunnel, starred as a Puerto Rican ex-con in the crime drama Cry Tough (1959) and appeared as an Israeli air force commander in Raid on Entebbe (1977), based on the real-life mission to free hostages in Uganda. 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