When Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning hit theaters in the US on May 23, fans were thrilled not just by the high-octane action but also by a special surprise — the return of veteran character actor Rolf Saxon.
Rolf plays William Donloe, a CIA analyst fans might remember from the very first Mission: Impossible movie back in 1996. Though his role back then was brief, this time he came back with a bigger part in the franchise’s latest chapter. And the best part? Tom Cruise himself insisted that Rolf return.
From Skepticism to Excitement
When Rolf first got the call about joining the film, he didn’t quite believe it. “I thought it might be a prank,” he told People. He explained, “In January 2022, I got a call from a European film company saying they wanted to see me for a part. I asked if they were serious, and they said yes. Then they mentioned Skydance, Tom Cruise, and Mission: Impossible. I thought, ‘That’s just my friend winding me up.’”
But it wasn’t a joke. Tom Cruise and director Christopher McQuarrie really wanted him on board.
Working With Tom Cruise
Rolf spent about three weeks on set, and though he and Tom aren’t “bosom buddies,” he described working with the star as a fantastic experience. “Tom is amazing on set. He gives 100% all the time,” Rolf shared. “When I walked on set, I got a big hug and cheers. It felt wonderful to be back.”
In the movie, Ethan Hunt and his team meet Donloe on St. Matthew Island in the Bering Sea — a moment fans will remember.
A Long and Rich Career
Rolf Saxon is no stranger to the screen or stage. He’s a gold medalist from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and has a rich background in theatre and television. His film debut was in 1980 with Little Lord Fauntleroy, based on the classic novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
Fans might also recognize him from TV shows like Capital City (1989-90), where he played attorney Hudson J. Talbot III, or from movies such as Tomorrow Never Dies, Saving Private Ryan, Woman in Gold, and August Falls.
But Rolf’s heart has often been with theatre, where he’s been part of acclaimed productions like The Seven Year Itch, Dinner with Friends, Chicago, Death and the Maiden, and The Floating Light Bulb.
Rolf’s return to Mission: Impossible after three decades is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one person’s belief—in this case, Tom Cruise’s—to bring someone back to the spotlight. It’s a touching moment for fans and a well-deserved nod to an actor who’s given so much to stage and screen.
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