John Saxon, who become known for appearing in – and often improving – numerous cult films – has died. He was 83.
Born Carmine Orrico in Brooklyn in 1936, he caught the acting bug in high school, and studied at Stella Adler's legendary acting school in New York. Even before his time there, he began to find modelling work, which caught the eye of agent Henry Wilson. The star-maker moved him to Los Angeles, and recommended he change his name.
In LA, the newly christened John Saxon started his career in entertainment at Universal Studios, where he continued studying acting at the company's own acting school, which scored him uncredited small roles in two movies. He also kicked off his small screen career, appearing in 1954's Medic. Saxon's big break was 1956's The Unguarded Moment, on which he was billed as "the exciting new personality", and he became a teen idol.
Yet he had a far longer career in cult filmmaking and television appearances, finding work on movies such as Queen Of Blood, Battle Beyond The Stars, Black Christmas and two Nightmare On Elm Street films for Wes Craven. And, of course, there is his iconic work on 1973's Enter The Dragon, which starred his friend and occasional martial arts coach, Bruce Lee.
Saxon is survived by his wife, Gloria Martel Saxon, his sister, a son, stepson, grandson and great grandson.