John Saxon is an American actor, who gained wide recognition for his portrayal of Lt. Don Thompson in the 1984 horror film called, A Nightmare on Elm Street. Saxon was born with the real name of Carmine Orrico on August 5, 1936 in Brooklyn, New York, to Anna and Antonio Orrico, who is a dock worker. he entered the New Utrecht High School, where he graduated in year 1953. Saxon has also taken acting under the supervision of Stella Adler. He started his acting career in late 1950s. It was said that it was Henry Wilson who initially discovered Saxon after seeing a picture of him on the detective magazine cover and Saxon’s family eventually called up. Wilson then took him to Hollywood, where he was named as Saxon. In year 1956, Saxon then appeared in the film of Universal called, The Unguarded Moment, which starred Esther Williams and George Nader. In his acting career, Saxon has collaborated with various renowned film directors, which includes Blake Edwards and Vincente Minnelli. However although he had worked with these directors, Saxon has never been said to be a successful actor.
On the other hand, Saxon starred in the film entitled, The Girl Knew Too Much, where he portrayed the role of Dr. Marcello Bassi, together with Leticia Roman and Velentina Cortese. Next, he appeared in the classic horror film of Queen of Blood, which also includes the stars of Basil Rothbone and Dennis Hopper. He was also included in the ensemble of the 1966 film of The Appaloosa, which brought him a Golden Globe nomination for the Best Supporting Actor. Saxon continuously appeared in various films and TV series, including the 1975 series called, The Six Million Dollar Man. Saxon was also seen in the 1982 TV of Rooster, where he portrayed the role of Jerome Brademan. Aside from English films, Saxon has also appeared in various Italian films, most particularly in spaghetti western and police-thriller theme films.
Moreover, Saxon appeared together with Antonio Sabato and Frank Wolff in the spaghetti western film called, One Dollar Too Many, as well as in 1976 Italian film of Napoli violent (Violent Naples), prior to his appearance on the said film, he was seen in the 1974 thriller film called, Black Christmas, where he portrayed the role of Lt. Kenneth Fuller. In late 1980s, has still appeared in several TV shows and films, which also includes the film of Battle Beyond the Stars, where he portrayed the role of Sador. Also. In year 1980, he appeared in the horror film of Cannibal Apocalypse, where he portrayed the role of Norman Hopper. In year 1984, Saxon portrayed one of his notable roles in the film of A Nightmare on Elm Street, where he portrayed the role of Lt. Don Thompson, together with the other stars like Ronee Blakley and Heather Langenkamp as well as Johnny Depp. He then reprised the role in the 1987 sequel of the horror film titled, A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors.
In year 1994, he appeared as himself in a double role in the horror film called, Wes Craven’s New Nightmare. Prior to that, Saxon starred in the 1992 film of Maximum Force, where he portrayed the role of Captain Fuller. Saxon was also included in the ensemble of the horror film entitled, From Dusk ‘till Dawn, where he portrayed the role of an FBI Agent named Stanley Chase, alongside George Clooney and Quentin Tarantino as well as Harvey Keitel. Saxon has recently appeared in the TV series of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation and in Showtime’s Masters of Horror. In May 2010, Saxon appears as a guest star in the recently held Creation Entertainment-Weekend of Horrors 2010.
John Saxon Photo Gallery
