'Nightmare on Elm Street' Actor John Saxon Dead at 83

Saxon's wife, Gloria, confirmed the Golden Globe-nominee died of pneumonia Saturday in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

John Saxon
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Image via Getty/Tibrina Hobson

John Saxon

Hollywood has lost another legend. 

Veteran actor John Saxon, best known for his role in the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise, died Saturday in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, at the age of 83. Saxon's wife, Gloria, confirmed the tragic news to The Hollywood Reporter, stating he had died of pneumonia.

Saxon began his film career back in the 1950s, when he appeared in a number of projects for Universal Studios. The Brooklyn native would go on to reach teen idol status, starring in films like Teach Me How To Cry and Rock, Pretty Baby. Over the next decade, he amassed a diverse filmography that highlighted his range. Two of his most critically acclaimed roles was as Chuy Medina in the 1966 Western film The Appaloosa starring Marlon Brando, and as Roper in Bruce Lee's 1973 martial arts flick Enter the Dragon.

"It was really great from the start—and still is. It's playing, it's gonna be 40 years," he said about Dragon during WonderCon 2012.

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Saxon would go on to become a staple within the horror genre. In addition to appearing in Nightmare on Elm Street and a number of sequels, he also starred in Black Christmas, From Dusk Till Dawn, and Tenebrae.

You can read some of the tributes for Saxon below.

Like many horror fans, I loved whenever John Saxon appeared in any NIGHTMARE film, but I was thrilled that Wes really gave him a chance to do something special in NEW NIGHTMARE. He was a kind man & he’ll be missed by so many. RIP John & thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/FcUTFw6C5H

— Heatherface Wixson (@MMEFXBook VOL 2 - out 10/26!) (@thehorrorchick) July 26, 2020

Thank you for all the horror memories and unforgettable roles, John Saxon. You'll be greatly missed. ❤ pic.twitter.com/WAJqY1kdp6

— Meagan Navarro (@HauntedMeg) July 26, 2020

Kung Fu movies, Italian gialli, Canadian slashers, multiple Nightmare on Elm Streets, more than one beach-centric horror movie and, uh...Hellmaster. John Saxon was a legitimately great actor but in the world of b-movies, he's about as legendary as they get. RIP pic.twitter.com/8dZyEXBRrJ

— Jay Bauman (@JayBauman1) July 26, 2020

#RIP John Saxon (1935–2020). Born in Brooklyn, he traveled the world over as an international movie star and genre-film stalwart. We love him so much. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/eSaKoPCEdN

— Daily Grindhouse (@DailyGrindhouse) July 26, 2020

Ugh, just learned John Saxon passed away. Thank you for everything John. We’re really going to miss you.

R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/5lWi8dltjz

— Killer Horror Critic 🎃 (@KillerCritics) July 26, 2020

Rest In Peace, John Saxon.

What a brilliant and varied career.

You were an instantly recognisable face for me growing up, starring in 2 of the greatest horror films ever made, Black Christmas and A Nightmare on Elm Street.

It's been an absolute pleasure.

Take a bow, Sir. pic.twitter.com/HyuzLpZYmf

— Slasher Trash (@SlasherTrash) July 26, 2020

This one hurts. We are saddened to learn that John Saxon passed away today. The world lost a legend, the community is hurting today for sure. Our thoughts are with his family and friends, and all of the fans who are mourning today.

John Saxon
8.5.1935 - 7.25.2020 pic.twitter.com/nkUZzrkiLc

— FredHeads The Documentary (@FredHeadsDoc) July 26, 2020

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