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John Ashton

John Ashton

Actor · Born 1948-02-22 · Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

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Biography

John David Ashton (February 22, 1948 – September 26, 2024) was an American actor best known for his role as Sergeant John Taggart in the hit action-comedy films Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) and Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2025) where he played alongside Eddie Murphy. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton developed a passion for acting early in life, later attending the University of Southern California's School of Theatre. Beyond his iconic role in the Beverly Hills Cop series, Ashton appeared in a wide range of films and TV shows throughout his career. His notable film appearances include Midnight Run (1988) alongside Robert De Niro, where he portrayed a bounty hunter named Marvin Dorfler. On television, Ashton has made guest appearances on popular series such as Columbo, MASH, and The A-Team. Ashton's performances are often characterized by his ability to balance humor and toughness, making him a beloved character actor, especially in roles that highlight his everyman charm and strong screen presence.

Movies & TV Shows

  1. Beverly Hills Cop (1984) — Sgt. Taggart
  2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) — Alan Fewkes
  3. Gone Baby Gone (2007) — Nick Poole
  4. Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) — John Taggart
  5. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024) — Chief John Taggart
  6. Midnight Run (1988) — Marvin Dorfler, Headhunter
  7. The A-Team (1983) — Cactus Jack Slater
  8. Columbo (1971) — Calvin MacGruder
  9. M*A*S*H (1972)
  10. King of the Hill (1997) — Instructor (voice)
  11. Instinct (1999) — Guard Dacks
  12. Curly Sue (1991) — Frank Arnold
  13. Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) — Cliff Nelson
  14. The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984) — Highway Patrolman
  15. Police Squad! (1982)
  16. JAG (1995) — Brian Turque
  17. Middle Men (2009) — Morgan
  18. Breaking Away (1979) — Mike's Brother
  19. Trapped in Paradise (1994) — Ed Dawson
  20. King Kong Lives (1986) — Lt. Col. R.T. Nevitt
  21. The Twilight Zone (1985) — Chief Brady Simmons (segment "Chameleon")
  22. Dallas (1978) — Willie Joe Garr
  23. She's Having a Baby (1988) — Ken
  24. The Tommyknockers (1993) — Butch Duggan
  25. Starsky & Hutch (1975)
  26. The Finder (2012) — Franklin Sherman
  27. Kojak (1973) — Cullen
  28. Oh, God! (1977) — Police Officer (uncredited)
  29. Little Big League (1994) — Mac MacNally
  30. The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992)
  31. Meet the Deedles (1998) — Capt. Douglas Pine
  32. Judging Amy (1999) — Dashiel Purdue
  33. A Touch of Frost (1992) — Ridley
  34. The Shooter (1995) — Alex Reed
  35. Fairly Legal (2011) — Lou Fisher
  36. BRATS (2024) — Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
  37. Borderline (1980) — Charlie Monroe
  38. Uncle John (2015) — Uncle John
  39. I Know My First Name Is Steven (1989) — Del Stayner
  40. Today (1952) — Self