On July 25, at the age of 83, an American actor of Italian origin died of pneumonia. John Saxon, not having lived 10 days before his birthday. Saxon (birth name Carmine Orrico) was born in Brooklyn on August 5, 1936, the son of an Italian immigrant. While still at school, Saxon's photo in one of the magazines is noticed by agent Henry Wilson, who contacts John's parents and offers to sign a contract.
In 1953, 17-year-old Saxon graduated from Urecht High School and began his acting career under a new name. Saxon studied playwriting with Betty Cashman at Carnegie Hall for six months, then studied drama at the Universal Studios acting school. In 1958 he received the Golden Globe Award for Best Newcomer, and 9 years later he was nominated for the same award for Best Supporting Actor in the film "Appaloosa».
Despite his huge filmography (195 films), readers of our site know him for his role as Lieutenant Thompson in the film "A Nightmare on Elm Street", and, first of all, for the role of Roper in the film "Enter the Dragon" (Aka "Dragon Island") from Bruce Lee starring. In fact, this is the only film with Bruce in which Lee does not play the main leading role. The film gives full screen time to the character. Jim Kelly and especially to Roper. And I must say that Saxon looked quite convincing in this film, although he got to compete with himself Bolo Yen. Having judo and karate skills behind him, Saxon was still not a professional athlete, much less an on-screen fighter, so he worked a lot and diligently with Bruce on the set.
“I liked working in Hong Kong with Lee,” Saxon said, because he took me seriously. When I suggested doing this and that, he almost always answered, “Okay, let's try.”
As a result, John got a very bright role due to his amazing cinematic potential. Roper's character is charming and ambiguous, with a caustic and cunning look, while at the same time he seems to us an open "guy." The viewer constantly changes his attitude, perceiving him at first as a rogue and a cheater, but in the end Roper turns out to be a worthy person. It is precisely due to his masculine energy that Saxon pulls out fights that seem primitive to a modern viewer, but for that time they were quite on the level.
As a result, it was this role that brought John worldwide fame. Well, let's go check it out "Enter the Dragon" and rest in peace John.
I remember in the nineties I had a tape called “The Best in the Art of Hand-to-Hand Combat.” Documentary on action films. I think he was the leader there.
Wave,
Yes, after Enter the Dragon he immediately became associated in Hollywood with martial arts and appeared as a presenter in a documentary. I also had it on cassette)