John Saxon—now there’s a name that truly left a mark on Hollywood. An American actor and martial artist, John Saxon enjoyed a career that lasted more than sixty years, a rare feat in the ever-changing world of entertainment. Born in Brooklyn, New York, back in 1935, John Saxon stepped into the acting scene during the 1950s and quickly made a name for himself. With his rugged good looks and powerful screen presence, he became a fan favorite almost overnight. Over the years, John Saxon appeared in over 200 films and TV shows, including some real classics like Enter the Dragon, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Black Christmas—roles that helped cement his legacy.
In the early days, John Saxon took on smaller but memorable parts in movies such as The Big Fisherman and The Unforgiven. But it was his role as Roper in Bruce Lee’s legendary Enter the Dragon that really put him on the map. That film? It’s still considered one of the greatest martial arts movies ever made. And John Saxon’s portrayal of the sharp-tongued gambler brought both humor and depth, winning over audiences across the globe. People just couldn’t get enough of him.
But John Saxon wasn’t just an actor—he was also deeply passionate about martial arts. He started training in judo as a teenager and later expanded into karate, kung fu, and other disciplines. In fact, he was so skilled that Bruce Lee personally invited him to train together, and the two developed a close friendship. That connection not only shaped John Saxon’s approach to action roles but also opened doors for him behind the scenes, where he often contributed fight choreography. His expertise gave him an edge, making him a go-to guy for intense, physically demanding roles.
Even with all that fame and success, John Saxon stayed grounded. He was known for being kind, generous, and full of humor—qualities that made him beloved by co-stars, crew members, and fans alike. He kept acting well into his seventies, never slowing down, always embracing new challenges. And honestly, that kind of dedication is exactly what made John Saxon such a respected figure in both cinema and the martial arts community.
When you look at John Saxon’s personality, it’s pretty clear he fit the ESTP type—Extroverted, Sensing, Thinking, Perceiving. These individuals are energetic, action-oriented, and thrive in the moment. They’re quick thinkers who love taking risks, and that definitely describes John Saxon. Whether he was jumping into a daring stunt or landing a bold role, he did it with confidence and spontaneity. Sure, ESTPs can be impulsive, and maybe that explains why John Saxon occasionally took on controversial projects—but hey, that also shows he wasn’t afraid to follow his instincts.
Then there’s the Enneagram angle. Based on interviews and how he carried himself, John Saxon seems like a classic Type 8: the Challenger. This type values control, independence, and honesty—and John Saxon had those in spades. He wasn’t one to shy away from speaking his mind or stepping up when leadership was needed. Some might’ve seen him as intense or even intimidating, but at his core, John Saxon was about protecting his values and standing firm in who he was. That strong, dominant energy? It showed up in every part of his life, both on and off screen.
And let’s not forget the stars—John Saxon was born on August 5th, which makes him a proud Leo. Now, Leos? They’re known for their confidence, charisma, and natural ability to lead. Sound familiar? Yeah, that’s John Saxon through and through. His self-assurance and magnetic charm were key ingredients in his long-running success. He wasn’t just talented—he knew how to own the spotlight, and he did it with flair. While Leos can sometimes come off as stubborn or proud, there’s no real evidence that those traits caused any issues for John Saxon. If anything, his strength of character only earned him more respect.
So, putting it all together—his dynamic career, his bold personality, and his unwavering presence—John Saxon truly embodied the spirit of a Leo. His confidence, talent, and larger-than-life energy made him a standout in Hollywood. And while we can use tools like the Enneagram or MBTI to better understand someone like John Saxon, it’s important to remember they’re just guides. What really matters is the impact he made.
In the end, John Saxon wasn’t just an actor or a martial artist—he was a force of nature. His legacy lives on, and his name, John Saxon, will continue to inspire generations to come.
I'm not a star. I'm a character actor.