John Saxon
ActingAbout John Saxon
John Saxon (born Carmine Orrico; August 5, 1935 – July 25, 2020) was an American actor and martial artist who worked on more than 200 projects during a span of 60 years. Saxon is known for his work in Westerns and horror movies, often playing police officers and detectives. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Saxon studied acting with Stella Adler before beginning his career as a contract actor for Universal Pictures, playing in such movies as Rock, Pretty Baby (1956) and Portrait in Black (1961). During the 1970s and 1980s, he established himself as a character actor, frequently portraying law enforcement officials in horror movies such as Black Christmas (1974), Dario Argento's Tenebrae (1982), and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984). In addition to his roles in horror movies, Saxon co-starred with Bruce Lee in the martial arts movie Enter the Dragon (1973), and has supporting roles in the westerns Death of a Gunfighter (1969) and Joe Kidd (1972), as well as the adventure thriller Raid on Entebbe (1977). In the 1990s, Saxon occasionally appeared in movies, with small roles in Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994) and From Dusk till Dawn (1996). Saxon died of pneumonia in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, on July 25, 2020.
Career Statistics & Market Influence
Analyzing the cinematic journey of John Saxon reveals a career defined by diverse artistic exploration. With a total of 50 major appearances, the actor has established a significant footprint in global cinema.
Genre Dominance: Documentary
The majority of John Saxon's filmography leans towards the Documentary genre. Audience data suggests that viewers respond most favorably to this persona, though their versatility has allowed for successful crossovers into other categories.
The "Box Office" Signature
With a 54% Success Ratio (movies rated above 6.5), John Saxon remains a reliable draw for studios. Their peak performance was recorded in Clarkworld, which continues to be the benchmark for their career rating-wise.
Best John Saxon Movies Ranked
Must-watch hits from John Saxon's career based on audience ratings.
Complete Filmography & Success Status
Tracking the career evolution and box office verdicts of John Saxon.
John Saxon - Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best movie of John Saxon?
According to audience ratings, the best movie starring John Saxon is "Clarkworld" with a rating of 10.0/10.
How many movies has John Saxon acted in?
John Saxon has been featured in at least 50 major films throughout their career.
What are some other popular movies by John Saxon?
Other notable films include "Encyclopedia of Martial Arts: Hollywood Celebrities", "The Best of the Martial Arts Films", and "Blood and Steel: The Making of Enter the Dragon".