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John Saxon

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For other people named John Saxon, see John Saxon (disambiguation).

John Saxon
Saxon in 1958
Born
Carmine Orrico

(1936-08-05)August 5, 1936
Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
DiedJuly 25, 2020(2020-07-25) (aged 83)
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, U.S.
Resting placeLake View Cemetery
OccupationActor
Years active1954–2017
Known for
Spouse
  • Mary Ann Saxon
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1967; div. 1979)​

    Elizabeth Saxon
    ​
    ​
    (m. 1987; div. 1992)​

    Gloria Martel Saxon
    ​
    ​
    (m. 2008⁠–⁠2020)​
Children1
AwardsGolden Globe Award for New Star of the Year - Actor

John Saxon (born Carmine Orrico; August 5, 1936 – July 25, 2020) was an American actor who worked on more than 200 film and television projects during a span of 60 years. He was known for his work in Westerns and horror films, 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, appearing in such films as Rock, Pretty Baby (1956) and Portrait in Black (1961), which earned him a reputation as a teen idol and won him a Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor. During the 1970s and 1980s, he established himself as a character actor, frequently portraying law-enforcement officials in horror films such as Black Christmas (1974) and A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).

Saxon appeared in numerous Italian films from the early 1960s. In a 2002 interview, he said of this period: "At the time, Hollywood was going through a crisis, but England and Italy were making a great many films. Besides, I thought the European films were of a much more mature quality than most of what Hollywood was making at the time."[1] Saxon appeared in Italian productions all through the 1970s and 1980s, until 1994, when he made Jonathan of the Bears.

In addition to his roles in horror films, Saxon co-starred with Bruce Lee in the martial arts film Enter the Dragon (1973), and he had supporting roles in the Westerns The Appaloosa (1966; for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture), Death of a Gunfighter (1969), and Joe Kidd (1972), as well as the made-for-television thriller Raid on Entebbe (1977). In the 1990s, Saxon occasionally appeared in films, with small roles in Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994) and From Dusk till Dawn (1996).

Early life

[edit]

Of Italian descent,[2] Saxon was born Carmine Orrico in Brooklyn, New York in 1936.[3] His father, Antonio Orrico, was a New York-born dock worker, and his mother Anna (née Protettore) was an immigrant from Calabria.[4] Italian was the primary language spoken at home, though Saxon also spoke some Spanish. He attended New Utrecht High School and studied acting with famous acting coach Stella Adler. He entered show business as a teenager, when he was spotted by a modeling scout at a movie theatre.

According to Robert Hofler's 2005 biography, The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson: The Pretty Boys and Dirty Deals of Henry Willson, agent Henry Willson saw Saxon's picture on the cover of a detective magazine, where Saxon posed as "a Puerto Rican guy" who gets shot and falls over a garbage can while his girlfriend looks on.[5] Willson immediately contacted the boy's family in Brooklyn.[6] With his parents' permission, the 17-year-old Orrico contracted with Willson, and he was given the stage name John Saxon.[7] He contracted with Universal Studios in April 1954 at $150 a week.[8]

Career

[edit]

Universal Pictures

[edit]
Saxon (right) with Sal Mineo and Sue George in a publicity still photo for Rock, Pretty Baby (1956)

Saxon spent 18 months at Universal before the studio first used him in a film.[9] His first significant role was a juvenile delinquent in Running Wild (1955), co-starring Mamie Van Doren. According to Filmink, "young Saxon had a scowling, broody teen quality that was in fashion in mid-‘50s Hollywood."[10]

He was then given a good role in The Unguarded Moment (1956), playing a youth who seemingly stalks Esther Williams. During February 1956, Universal exercised its option on Saxon and he was paid $225 a week.[8]

Teen idol

[edit]

Saxon had the lead in a low-budget teen film, Rock, Pretty Baby (1956), which became an unexpected success and established Saxon as a teen idol. Universal executives were pleased, and Ross Hunter announced he would be in Teach Me How To Cry.[11] Saxon quickly reprised his Rock, Pretty Baby role in a sequel, Summer Love (1958). By this time, he was getting about 3,000 fan letters a week.[12] He then made Teach Me How to Cry with Sandra Dee, which was retitled The Restless Years (1958).[13]

John Saxon, Shelley Fabares, John Wilder and Jill St. John in Summer Love (1958)

Universal put him in an "A" film, This Happy Feeling (1958), directed by Blake Edwards, where Saxon romanced Debbie Reynolds in support of Curt Jurgens.[14] MGM borrowed him to appear opposite Sandra Dee in The Reluctant Debutante (1958), for director Vincente Minnelli, which was widely seen. Saxon was billed third, beneath Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall.[15] He had a support role in a large-budget Biblical drama about Simon Peter, The Big Fisherman (1959) for director Frank Borzage, starring Howard Keel. Released by Buena Vista instead of Universal-International, it was a financial disappointment.[16]

In August 1958, Saxon signed a three-picture deal with Hecht-Hill-Lancaster, the first of which was to be the main role in Cry Tough (1959), a film about juvenile delinquents.[17] He was meant to follow it with The Ballad of Cat Ballou (not made until years later, with Jane Fonda).[18] Instead, for HHL, he worked with another major director, John Huston, in the Western The Unforgiven (1960), playing an Indian in support of Burt Lancaster and Audrey Hepburn.[19] Back at Universal, he remained in a supporting role for Portrait in Black (1960), reunited with Dee, with Lana Turner and Anthony Quinn.

He appeared in the Western Posse from Hell (1961) with Audie Murphy and guest-starred in television series, including General Electric Theater and The Dick Powell Theatre.[20] "I want to do all sorts of character parts," he said in 1960.[21]

Saxon played a serial-killer soldier in War Hunt (1962)[22] and had a small role in the comedy success Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation (1962).[23]

Europe

[edit]

Saxon traveled to Italy to make Agostino (1962).[24]

In 1963, Saxon co-starred with Letícia Román in Mario Bava's Italian giallo film The Girl Who Knew Too Much.[25]

He returned to Hollywood to perform in Otto Preminger's The Cardinal (1963)[26] and an episode of Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre, then was back to Europe for The Cavern (1964).[27]

The Ravagers (1965) was shot in the Philippines; Night Caller from Outer Space (1965) was a science-fiction film shot in Britain.[28]

In 1966, he starred in Curtis Harrington's science-fiction/horror classic Queen of Blood with Basil Rathbone and Dennis Hopper,[29] then appeared opposite Marlon Brando in The Appaloosa (1966), winning a Golden Globe Best Supporting Actor nomination for his portrayal of a Mexican bandit.[30] Saxon recalls, "This was to me a terrific role and something I was ready for, but he [Brando] was despondent. He said he had lent a whole bunch of money to his father, and what he was saying to me was that his father ruined his life by losing all of his money. He was kind of bored in the picture."[7]

The Doomsday Flight (1966) was a made-for-television film. In an interview in 1966, he said, "I never felt comfortable being a teenage dreamboat... I regard myself as a craftsman."[31]

He portrayed Marco Polo in episode 26 of The Time Tunnel ("Attack of the Barbarians"),[32] originally broadcast on March 10, 1967, and was a guest actor on Bonanza in 1967 ("The Conquistadores").[33] In episode 19, season 5 of The Virginian ("The Modoc Kid") Saxon appeared in the title role alongside Harrison Ford, who was appearing in one of his first speaking roles.[34] And in 1969 he appeared in Bonanza again ("My Friend, My Enemy").[35]

Saxon was in a sex comedy for Sam Katzman, For Singles Only (1968),[36] and appeared in some Westerns, One Dollar Too Many (1968), Death of a Gunfighter (1969),[37] The Men from Shiloh (rebranded name for The Virginian, 1971), and Joe Kidd (1972) (again playing a Mexican, this time a revolutionary named Luis Chama).[38] I Kiss the Hand (1973) was a thriller made in Italy.[39]

He spent three years playing Dr. Theodore Stuart for the television series The Bold Ones: The New Doctors (1969–1972).[40]

Enter the Dragon and 1970s

[edit]
Saxon in Petrocelli, 1975,

Saxon, who had done martial arts since 1957,[41] appeared as the martial artist Roper in 1973's Enter the Dragon. It was Bruce Lee's first major role in a Hollywood feature.[7] He almost backed out of Enter the Dragon, on account of the script being too light. "It was a 60-page treatment", said Saxon in a 2002 interview. "I thought: there’s not enough to act here. A stunt man could play it. But they talked me into it, saying they would work in my suggestions. Some things they shot and kept in the film, but most of it they discarded."[1] After Enter the Dragon, Saxon had no further interest in appearing in martial-arts films.[1]

He was in such action films as Mitchell (1975), The Swiss Conspiracy (1975), Strange Shadows in an Empty Room (1976),[42] Napoli violenta (1976), Mark Strikes Again (1976),[43] A Special Cop in Action (1976), Cross Shot (1976), and The Cynic, the Rat and the Fist (1977).

In 1974, he appeared as police Lieutenant Fuller in the slasher horror film Black Christmas.[44] From 1974 to 1976, he appeared in The Six Million Dollar Man, first as Major Frederick Sloan and then as Nedlick. This role also extended into The Bionic Woman. The actor's likeness was later used for the Kenner action-figure doll called "Maskatron" that was based on the series.[citation needed]

Saxon starred as Dylan Hunt in the 1974 Gene Roddenberry television pilot Planet Earth, replacing Alex Cord from Genesis II. A 20th-century scientist unfrozen in the postnuclear world of 2133, he leads a team of explorers and encounters a matriarchal society. Although ABC declined the series, Saxon played a nearly identical character in the 1975 television film Strange New World.[citation needed]

In 1976, Saxon portrayed a homicidal vampire-like strangler in the season-two Starsky & Hutch episode "Vampire". He played Captain Radl in the two-part Wonder Woman episode "The Feminum Mystique" (1976).[45] Also in 1976, he appeared in an episode of The Rockford Files titled "A Portrait of Elizabeth", in which he played a crooked corporate lawyer and painter named Dave Delaroux, who was involved in a securities rip-off and with whom Rockford's attorney Beth Davenport was smitten. In this episode, Saxon was able to display his considerable martial-arts abilities in two fight scenes. Raid on Entebbe (1977) was a prestige television movie for him. Moonshine County Express was a big success for Roger Corman's New World Pictures; Saxon made another film for that company, The Bees (1978). He appeared in a Bollywood movie, Shalimar (1978), then it was back to exploitation: Fast Company (1979) and The Glove (1979).

Saxon played Hunt Sears, chief of a breakfast-cereal conglomerate, opposite Robert Redford and Jane Fonda in the 1979, Oscar-nominated film The Electric Horseman.[46]

1980s–1990s

[edit]

He appeared in the 1982 television movie Rooster,[47] and he was an occasional celebrity guest on the short-lived game show Whew!, including during the series' final week. His extensive television credits include two years as Tony Cumson on Falcon Crest (1982, 1986–1988)[26] and the recurring role of Rashid Ahmed on Dynasty (1982–84). He appeared twice (in different roles) on The A-Team, in 1983 and 1985.[citation needed]

Saxon at the 2014 Fan Expo Canada.

Saxon played in Dario Argento's Tenebrae (1982) as the writer hero's shifty agent;[48] in Battle Beyond the Stars (1980) as Sador; in Cannibal Apocalypse (1980) where he played a Vietnam veteran tormented because his worthless pal bit him and years later, he is starting to get the urge to do the same;[49] in Prisoners of the Lost Universe as an alternate-universe warlord, and in Wes Craven's A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) as the heroine's (Nancy Thompson's) father.[50] He reprised his role in A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)[51] and Wes Craven's New Nightmare (1994) as he played himself in a dual role.[52]

He made his directorial debut in 1987 with the horror film Zombie Death House, which starred Dennis Cole and Anthony Franciosa. Filmink wrote, "Few other actors of his generation have as fine a track record in" horror movies. "Why did he appear in so many? I guess for starters he was willing – he wasn’t snobby. He made a good on-screen cop and there’s always roles for a cop actor in a slasher film. He could also seem scary so made an excellent red herring/villain."[10]

He starred in Blood Salvage (1990) as Clifford Evans, Maximum Force (1992) as Captain Fuller, and also appeared in From Dusk till Dawn (1996).[53]

Later career

[edit]

In his later years, Saxon continued to appear mostly in independent films and appeared in several television series. He had a notable guest part in "Grave Danger", the fifth-season finale of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, which was directed by From Dusk till Dawn screenwriter and star Quentin Tarantino.[54] Saxon starred in the episode opposite fellow cult film luminary Andrew Prine. He also appeared in an episode ("Pelts") of the anthology horror series Masters of Horror, which reunited him with Tenebrae director Dario Argento.

Saxon was a regular guest at horror- and cult-film conventions, including the Creation Entertainment – Weekend of Horrors 2010 on May 21, 2010, in Los Angeles.[55] His last acting role was in the film Bring Me the Head of Lance Henriksen, which as of his death was in postproduction.[56]

Personal life

[edit]

John Saxon was married three times. His first marriage was to Mary Ann Saxon, a screenwriter and television director of development. His second wife was Elizabeth (Phillips) Saxon, a former investment banker, airline union negotiator, and psychologist. John Saxon's third and last wife was Gloria (Potts) Martel Saxon, a model and esthetician.[57] He and Mary Ann had a son, Antonio.[58] He was a Democrat.

Saxon held a black belt in Shotokan karate, having studied under Hidetaka Nishiyama,[59] and was also proficient in Judo.[60]

Death

[edit]
Saxon's gravesite in Lake View Cemetery, Seattle

Saxon died of complications from pneumonia, on July 25, 2020, aged 83, in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a city about 35 miles southeast of Nashville, where he had resided for several years.[61][62][63][64] He was interred at Lake View Cemetery in Seattle, Washington,[65] near his former co-star Bruce Lee.

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1954 It Should Happen to You Boy Watching Argument In Park Uncredited
A Star Is Born Movie Premiere Usher
1955 Running Wild Vince Pomeroy
1956 The Unguarded Moment Leonard Bennett
Rock, Pretty Baby Jimmy Daley
1957 Summer Love Jimmy Daley
1958 This Happy Feeling Bill Tremaine
The Reluctant Debutante David Parkson
The Restless Years Will Henderson
1959 Cry Tough Miguel Antonio Enrico Francisco Estrada
The Big Fisherman Prince Voldi
1960 The Unforgiven Johnny Portugal
Portrait in Black Blake Richards
The Plunderers Rondo
1961 Posse from Hell Seymour Kern
1962 War Hunt Private Raymond Endore
Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation Byron Grant
Agostino Renzo
1963 The Girl Who Knew Too Much Dr. Marcello Bassi
The Cardinal Benny Rampell
1964 The Cavern Private Joe Cramer
1965 The Ravagers Captain Kermit Dowling
The Night Caller Dr. Jack Costain
1966 Queen of Blood Allan Brenner
The Appaloosa Chuy Medina
1968 For Singles Only Bret Hendley
One Dollar Too Many Clay Watson
1969 Death of a Gunfighter Lou Trinidad
1971 Mr Kingstreet's War Jim Kingstreet
1972 Joe Kidd Luis Chama
I Kiss the Hand Gaspare Ardizzone
1973 Enter the Dragon Roper
1974 Black Christmas Lieutenant Ken Fuller
Planet Earth Dylan Hunt
1975 Metralleta 'Stein' Mariano Beltrán
Mitchell Walter Deaney
1976 The Swiss Conspiracy Robert Hayes
Strange Shadows in an Empty Room Sergeant Ned Matthews
Violent Naples Francesco Capuano
Mark Strikes Again Inspector Altman
A Special Cop in Action Jean Albertelli
Cross Shot Commissioner Jacovella
1977 The Cynic, the Rat and the Fist Frank Di Maggio
Moonshine County Express J.B. Johnson
Tre soldi e la donna di classe Unknown Unfinished
1978 The Bees John Norman
Shalimar Colonel Columbus
1979 Fast Company Phil Adamson
The Glove Sam Kellog
The Electric Horseman Hunt Sears
1980 Beyond Evil Larry Andrews
Cannibal Apocalypse Norman Hopper
Battle Beyond the Stars Sador
Running Scared Captain Munoz
1981 Blood Beach Captain Pearson
1982 Wrong Is Right Homer Hubbard
Una di troppo Sergio Puccini, The Notary
The Scorpion with Two Tails Arthur Barnard
Tenebrae Peter Bullmer
Desire Joe Hale
1983 Prisoners of the Lost Universe Kleel
The Big Score Davis
1984 A Nightmare on Elm Street Lieutenant Donald Thompson
1985 Fever Pitch The Sports Editor
1986 Hands of Steel Francis Turner
1987 A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors Donald Thompson
House Made of Dawn Tosamah
Death House Colonel Gordon Burgess Also director
1988 Nightmare Beach Strycher
1989 My Mom's a Werewolf Harry Thropen
Criminal Act Herb Tamplin
1990 Aftershock Oliver Quinn
The Last Samurai Haroun Al-Hakim
The Final Alliance Ghost
Crossing the Line Jack Kagan
Blood Salvage Clifford Evans
1991 The Arrival Agent Mills
1992 Maximum Force Captain Fuller
Hellmaster Professor Jones
Genghis Khan Chiledu Unfinished
1993 The Baby Doll Murders John Maglia
No Escape No Return James Mitchell
Jonathan of the Bears Fred Goodwin
1994 Beverly Hills Cop III Orrin Sanderson
Killing Obsession Dr. Sachs
Wes Craven's New Nightmare Himself / Donald Thompson
Frame-Up II: The Cover-Up Charles Searage
1996 From Dusk till Dawn FBI Agent Stanley Chase Cameo appearance
1997 The Killers Within Detective Lewis
Lancelot: Guardian of Time Wolvencroft
1998 The Party Crashers Mr. Foster
Joseph's Gift Jacob Keller
1999 Criminal Minds Antonio DiPaolo Jr.
2001 Final Payback Police Chief George Moreno
Night Class Murphy
2002 Outta Time James Darabont
2003 The Road Home Michael Curtis
2006 The Craving Heart Richard Tom
Trapped Ashes Leo Segment: "Stanley's Girlfriend"
2008 God's Ears Lee Robinson
2009 Old Dogs Paul
The Mercy Man Father McMurray
2010 Genghis Khan: The Story Of A Lifetime Chiledu
2010 Bring Me the Head of Lance Henriksen John
2014 Roger Unknown Short
2015 The Dentros George Dentros
2017 The Extra Victor Vallient

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1955 Medic Danny Ortega — "Walk with Lions"
1961 General Electric Theater Martin Glass — "Cate in the Cradle"
1962 The Dick Powell Theatre Nick Giller — "A Time to Die"
1963–1964 Burke's Law Gil Lynch / Bud Charney 2 episodes

— "Who Killed Cable Roberts" (1963)

— "Who Killed the Horne of Plenty?" (1964)

1964 Another World Edward Gerard #1 (8/30/1985–2/26/1986)
1964–1966 Bob Hope Presents the Chrysler Theatre Mario Silvetti / Augie 2 episodes

— "Echo of Evil" (1964)

— "After the Lion, Jackals" (1966)

1965–1975 Gunsmoke Gristy Calhoun / Pedro Manez / Virgil Stanley / Cal Strom Jr. / Dingo 5 episodes

— "Dry Road to Nowhere" (1965)

— "The Avengers" (1965)

— "The Whispering Tree" (1966)

— "The Pillagers" (1967)

— "The Squaw" (1975)

1966 Dr. Kildare Richard Ross 2 episodes

— "The Art of Taking a Powder"

— "Read the Book and Then See the Picture"

The Doomsday Flight George Ducette Television film
1967 The Time Tunnel Marco Polo — "Attack of the Barbarians"
Winchester 73 Dakin McAdam Television film
Cimarron Strip Screamer — "Journey to a Hanging"
Garrison's Gorillas Janus — "20 Gallons to Kill"
1967–1969 Bonanza Chief Jocova / Blas / Steven Friday 3 episodes

— "Black Friday" (1967)

— "The Conquistadores" (1967)

— "My Friend, My Enemy" (1969)

1967–1970 Ironside Eric Saginor / Carter 2 episodes

— "An Inside Job" (1967)

— "Ransom" (1970)

1967–1971 The Virginian Sergeant Terence Mulcahy / Ben Oakes / Dell Stetler 3 episodes

— "The Modoc Kid" (1967)

— "Vision of Blindness" (1968)

— "The Regimental Line" (1971)

1968 It Takes a Thief Dead Man — "A Thief Is a Thief"
The Name of the Game Peter Max — "Collector's Edition"
Istanbul Express Cheval Television film
1969 The Bold Ones: The New Doctors Dr. Theodore Stuart recurring role (29 episodes)
1970 Company of Killers Dave Poohler Television film
The Intruders Billy Pye Television film shot in 1967
1972 The Sixth Sense Dr. Harry Auden — "Lady, Lady, Take My Life"
Night Gallery Ianto (segment "I'll Never Leave You – Ever") — "I'll Never Leave You – Ever / There Aren't Any More MacBanes"
Kung Fu Raven — "King of the Mountain"
Banyon Johnny Clay — "The Clay Clarinet"
Norman Corwin Presents Unknown — "The Better It Looks, the Worse It Is"
1973 Snatched Paul Maxvill Television film
The Streets of San Francisco Vince Hagopian Jr. — "A Collection of Eagles"
The Rookies Farley — "Cauldron"
Linda Jeff Braden Television film
Police Story Rick Calvelli — "Death on Credit"
1974 Banacek Harry Harland — "The Vanishing Chalice"
Can Ellen Be Saved? James Hallbeck Television film
Planet Earth Dylan Hunt Television film
The Mary Tyler Moore Show Mike Tedesco — "Menage-a-Phyllis"
1974–1976 The Six Million Dollar Man Nedlick / Major Frederick Sloan 2 episodes

— "Day of the Robot" (1974)

— "The Return of Bigfoot: Part 1" (1976)

1975 Crossfire Dave Ambrose Television film
Strange New World Captain Anthony Vico Television film
Petrocelli Richie Martin — "Mark of Cain"
1976 The Rockford Files Dave Delaroux — "A Portrait of Elizabeth"
The Bionic Woman Nedlick — "The Return of Bigfoot: Part 2"
Starsky and Hutch Rene Nadasy — "The Vampire"
Wonder Woman Captain Horst Radl 2 episodes
Once an Eagle Captain Townshend Miniseries (4 episodes)
Raid on Entebbe General Benny Peled Television film
1977 Most Wanted Randall Mason — "The Insider"
The Fantastic Journey Consul Tarant — "A Dream of Conquest"
Westside Medical Bob Farrow — "Intensive Care"
Quincy M.E. Charles Desskasa, Publisher — "Sullied By Thy Name"
79 Park Avenue Harry Vito Miniseries (3 episodes)
1978 The Immigrants Alan Brocker Television film
Greatest Heroes of the Bible Adonijah — "The Judgement of Solomon"
1978–1984 Fantasy Island Michael Anderson / Cyrano de Bergerac / Monsieur Berandt Sabatier / Evan Watkins / Professor Harold DeHaven / Colin McArthur / Dr. Roger Sullivan 6 episodes
1979 Hawaii Five-O Harry Clive — "The Bark and the Bite"
1980 Vega$ Michael Jennings — "Aloha, You're Dead"
1981 Golden Gate Monty Sager Television film
1982 Rooster Jerome Brademan Television film
1982–1984 Dynasty Rashid Ahmed Recurring role (6 episodes)
1982–1988 Falcon Crest Tony Cumson Recurring role (32 episodes)
1983 Savage in the Orient Nick Costa Television film
Hardcastle and McCormick Martin Cody — "Rolling Thunder"
Scarecrow and Mrs. King Dirk Fredericks 2 episodes

— "The First Time"

— "Saved by the Bells"

1983–1985 The A-Team Kalem / Martin James 2 episodes

— "Children of Jamestown" (1983)

— "Moving Targets" (1985)

1984 Magnum P.I. Ed Russler — "Jororo Farewell"
Masquerade Joey Savane — "The French Correction"
Finder of Lost Loves Commander Zach Donahue — "White Lies"
American Playhouse Presents Epps — "Solomon Northup's Odyssey"
1984–1994 Murder, She Wrote Bernardo Bonelli / Marco Gambini / Jerry Lydecker 3 episodes

— "Hooray for Homicide" (1984)

— "A Very Good Year for Murder" (1988)

— "Proof in the Pudding" (1994)

1985 Half Nelson Unknown — "Diplomatic Immunity"
Brothers in Law Royal Cane Television film
Glitter The Author — "The Matriarch"
1987 Alfred Hitchcock Presents Garth December — "The Specialty of the House"
Hotel Jack Curtis — "Fallen Angel"
1989 The Ray Bradbury Theatre Dudley Stone — "The Wonderful Death of Dudley Stone"
1991 Monsters Benjamin O'Connell — "The Waiting Room"
Matlock John Franklin — "The Parents"
Payoff Rafael Concion Television film
Blackmail Gene Television film
In the Heat of the Night Dalton Sykes — "Liar's Poker"
1992 Lucky Luke The Man In Black — "Magia Indiana"
1994–1995 Melrose Place Henry Waxman recurring role (4 episodes)
1995 Liz: The Elizabeth Taylor Story Richard Brooks Television film
1996 Kung Fu: The Legend Continues Straker — "Escape"
1997 California Don Rafael Guevara — "Episode #1.1"
2001 Living in Fear Reverend Leo Hausman Television film
2005 CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Walter Gordon — "Grave Danger: Part 1"
2006 Masters of Horror Jeb "Pa" Jameson — "Pelts"
2009 War Wolves Tony Ford Television film

Awards and nominations

[edit]

Golden Globe Awards

Action On Film International Film Festival

  • 2006 Best Supporting Actor: The Craving Heart (won)

Beverly Hills Shorts Festival

  • 2009 Best Actor: Old Dogs (won)

FAIF International Film Festival

  • 2006 Judge Choice Award for Best Supporting Actor: The Craving Heart (nominated)

Method Fest Independent Film Festival

  • 2008 Best Supporting Actor: God's Ears (nominated)

New Media Film Festival

  • 2010 Best Feature: God's Ears (won)
  • 2010 Grand Prize Festival Award: God's Ears (won)

Western Heritage Awards

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "John Saxon interview". THE FLASHBACK FILES. Retrieved February 24, 2021.
  2. ^ Bondanella, Peter (2009). A History of Italian Cinema. New York and London: Continuum. p. 376. ISBN 978-0-826-41785-5.
  3. ^ Hopper, Hedda (September 1, 1957). "John Saxon's The Brooklyn Italian Type". The Hartford Courant. Archived from the original on July 25, 2012. Retrieved December 10, 2007.
  4. ^ "John Saxon Biography (1935-)". Filmreference.com. Retrieved December 31, 2010.
  5. ^ "John Saxon: 1935-2020 | Tributes | Roger Ebert". July 27, 2020.
  6. ^ Hofler, Robert (2005). The Man Who Invented Rock Hudson: The Pretty Boys and Dirty Deals of Henry Willson. Carroll & Graf. ISBN 978-0786716074.
  7. ^ a b c King, Susan (October 21, 2012). "John Saxon, Hollywood cool guy, remembers his 'Dragon' days". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 23, 2015.
  8. ^ a b "Contracts of Two Young Film Players Approved: Mutual Congratulations Mark Meeting of Rena Clark and John Saxon in Court". Los Angeles Times. February 16, 1956. p. A1.
  9. ^ Hopper, Hedda (September 1, 1957). "Saxon Draws Diverse Roles: Diverse Characters Played by John Saxon". Los Angeles Times. p. D1.
  10. ^ a b Vagg, Stephen (July 29, 2020). "The Top Twelve Stages of Saxon". Filmink.
  11. ^ Louella Parsons: Bobo Rockefeller Invests in a Movie The Washington Post and Times-Herald December 22, 1956: B13.
  12. ^ Beck, Joan (July 4, 1960). "John Saxon, Handsome, Moody Teen-Age Idol". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. A1.
  13. ^ "The Restless Years". Variety. December 31, 1957. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  14. ^ Crowther, Bosley (June 19, 1958). "Screen: 'Happy Feeling'; Debbie Reynolds Plays a Pursued Lass". The New York Times. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  15. ^ Weiler, A. H. (August 15, 1958). "Screen: 'The Reluctant Debutante'; Rex Harrison Stars With Kay Kendall Film Has Its Premiere at the Music Hall". The New York Times. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  16. ^ "BIG FISHERMAN' TO BOW AT RIVOLI; Premiere of Movie Based on Lloyd Douglas Novel to Be Set -- 'Sisters' Here Today". The New York Times. May 23, 1959. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  17. ^ Crowther, Bosley (September 17, 1959). "'Cry Tough"; Puerto Rican Story Bows at Palace". The New York Times. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  18. ^ Looking at Hollywood: Liz Is Offered Record Price for Film Role Hopper, Hedda. Chicago Daily Tribune August 28, 1958: pg C8.
  19. ^ Crowther, Bosley (April 7, 1960). "Screen: "The Unforgiven':Huston Film Stars Miss Hepburn, Lancaster". The New York Times. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  20. ^ Scott, John L. Los Angeles Times December 11, 1960: pg. B6.
  21. ^ John Saxon, Handsome, Moody Teen-Age Idol. Beck, Joan. Chicago Daily Tribune, July 4, 1960: pg. A1.
  22. ^ Crowther, Bosley (August 8, 1962). "Screen: 'Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm':George Pal Production at Loew's Cinerama Laurence Harvey Heads a Cast of Stars". The New York Times. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  23. ^ Crowther, Bosley (June 16, 1962). "Screen: 'Mr. Hobbs Takes a Vacation':Edward Streeter Book Twits Family Life". The New York Times. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
  24. ^ Healey, Robin (1998). Twentieth-century Italian Literature in English Translation: An Annotated Bibliography, 1929-1997. Toronto, Canada: University of Toronto Press. p. 39. ISBN 0-8020-0800-3.
  25. ^ Paul, Louis (2007). Tales from the Cult Film Trenches: Interviews with 36 Actors from Horror, Science Fiction and Exploitation Cinema. Jefferson, North Carolina: McFarland & Company. p. 204. ISBN 978-0-7864-2994-3.
  26. ^ a b Kishi, Russell (January 8, 1988). "John Saxon: The 'poor man's Brando' is neither". United Press International. Retrieved March 1, 2017.
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