Tributes paid to 'Enter the Dragon' star John Saxon, who died aged 83
Tributes have been paid to actor John Saxon after he died from pneumonia at the age of 83.
The veteran star, whose career spanned over six decades, is perhaps best known for roles alongside martial arts hero Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon, and in Wes Craven’s horror classic Nightmare on Elm Street.
The actor, who enjoyed a varied and prolific career, lost his battle with pneumonia in Tennessee on Saturday, 25 July, his wife Gloria told the Hollywood Reporter.
Friends and fans have been taking to social media to pay their respects to the actor, who as well as marking his mark in film, also appeared in popular TV shows such as Dynasty and CSI.
Screenwriter Larry Karaszewski said Saxon was "a great guy full of stories" while singer and actress Nancy Sinatra simply tweeted "Godspeed, Johnny".
Gremlins director Joe Dante tweeted: "I had the privilege of working with him once in 2006. Very good actor, very nice guy."
Baby Driver and Shaun of the Dead director Edgar Wright tweeted: “Rest In Piece John Saxon, beloved actor iconic in several cult classics: Nightmare On Elm Street, Enter The Dragon, Tenebrae, Battle Beyond The Stars, Black Christmas and this, the original Giallo mystery, Mario Bava’s The Girl Who Knew Too Much.”
Actress Barbara Crampton, star of horror comedy Re-Animator said of Saxon: “He had strength and charm, which was a great combination.
Read more: Politicians call for California's John Wayne Airport to be renamed due to actor's racist views
“His strong presence allowed him, with ease to command every role he portrayed. Black Christmas, A Nightmare on Elm Street, Tenebrae and countless more...Rip the great John Saxon”.
American crime writer Don Winslow said: “RIP John Saxon. World class bad a** and friend/student of Bruce Lee.
“I always said, if I had to do a secret mission and I could only bring a couple of guys, I'd want two of them to be Bruce Lee and John Saxon!”