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John Ashton
Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
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…
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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.
Filmography
Movies and shows, newest first
-
2024
All Happy Families
Movie Roy Landry
-
2024
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Movie Chief John Taggart
-
2024
BRATS
Movie Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
-
2023
Lonesome Soldier
Movie Macroberts
-
2022
Death in Texas
Movie Asher
-
2019
American Christmas
Movie Rob
-
2019
Making a Deal with the Devil
Movie FBI Director
-
2019
The Last Big Save
Movie Joseph Bird Sr.
-
2019
Once Upon a River
Movie
-
2018
The Joke Thief
Movie Joseph Rogers
-
2015
Uncle John
Movie Uncle John
-
2012
The Finder
TV show Franklin Sherman
-
2011
Fairly Legal
TV show Lou Fisher
-
2009
A Letter to Dad
Movie Mike Donahue
-
2009
Middle Men
Movie Morgan
-
2007
Gone Baby Gone
Movie Nick Poole
More credits
-
2007
Reign of the Gargoyles
Movie Commander Latham
-
2001
Bill's Gun Shop
Movie Bill Voight
-
1999
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
TV show Alan Fewkes
-
1999
Judging Amy
TV show Dashiel Purdue
-
1999
Escape from Alaska
Movie Kemp
-
1999
Instinct
Movie Guard Dacks
-
1998
Fantasy Island
TV show Bobby
-
1998
The Day Lincoln Was Shot
Movie Ulysses S. Grant
-
1998
Meet the Deedles
Movie Capt. Douglas Pine
-
1997
Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
Movie Peter Bryant
-
1997
King of the Hill
TV show Instructor (voice)
-
1996
Fast Money
Movie Lt. Diego
-
1996
For Which He Stands
Movie District Attorney
-
1995
The Shooter
Movie Alex Reed
-
1995
Condition Red
Movie Deputy Warden
-
1995
JAG
TV show Brian Turque
-
1994
Trapped in Paradise
Movie Ed Dawson
-
1994
Little Big League
Movie Mac MacNally
-
1993
The Tommyknockers
TV show Butch Duggan
-
1992
A Touch of Frost
TV show Ridley
-
1992
Dirty Work
Movie Eddie Ryan
-
1992
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
TV show
-
1991
Curly Sue
Movie Frank Arnold
-
1991
Love, Lies and Murder
TV show Carrothers
