John Ashton profile
Actor profile

John Ashton

22nd February 1948 Springfield, Massachusetts, USA Acting

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.

52 Movies 26 TV Shows 78 Credits
Filmography

Movies & TV Shows

BRATS poster
BRATS 7th June 2024 as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Oh, God! poster
Oh, God! 7th October 1977 as Police Officer (uncredited)
JAG poster
JAG 23rd September 1995 as Brian Turque
Hardball poster
Hardball 21st September 1989 as Charlie Battles
Dallas poster
Dallas 2nd April 1978 as Willie Joe Garr
Kojak poster
Kojak 24th October 1973 as Cullen
Columbo poster
Columbo 15th September 1971 as Calvin MacGruder
Today poster
Today 14th January 1952 as Self