Portrait of John Ashton

John Ashton

Acting

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.

Born: February 22, 1948

Place of Birth: Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

Filmography

2024
All Happy Families

as Roy Landry

2024
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

as Chief John Taggart

2024
BRATS

as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)

2023
Lonesome Soldier

as Macroberts

2022
2019
2019
The Last Big Save

as Joseph Bird Sr.

2018
The Joke Thief

as Joseph Rogers

2015
Uncle John

as Uncle John

2012
The Finder

as Franklin Sherman

2011
Fairly Legal

as Lou Fisher

2009
A Letter to Dad

as Mike Donahue

2009
Middle Men

as Morgan

2007
Gone Baby Gone

as Det. Nick Poole

2007
Reign of the Gargoyles

as Commander Latham

2001
Bill's Gun Shop

as Bill Voight

1999
Judging Amy

as Dashiel Purdue

1999
Instinct

as Guard Dacks

1998
1998
The Day Lincoln Was Shot

as Ulysses S. Grant

1998
Meet the Deedles

as Capt. Douglas Pine

1997
1997
King of the Hill

as Instructor (voice)

1996
Fast Money

as Lt. Diego

1996
For Which He Stands

as District Attorney

1995
The Shooter

as Alex Reed

1995
Condition Red

as Deputy Warden

1995
JAG

as Brian Turque

1994
1994
Little Big League

as Mac MacNally

1993
The Tommyknockers

as Butch Duggan

1992
Dirty Work

as Eddie Ryan

1991
Curly Sue

as Frank Arnold

1989
I Want to Go Home

as Harry Dempsey

1989
Hardball

as Charlie Battles

1988
Midnight Run

as Marvin Dorfler, Headhunter

1987
Beverly Hills Cop II

as John Taggart

1987
Some Kind of Wonderful

as Cliff Nelson

1986
King Kong Lives

as Lt. Col. R.T. Nevitt

1986
The Deliberate Stranger

as Det. Roger Dunn

1986
The Deliberate Stranger

as Det. Roger Dunn

1986
Last Resort

as Phil Cocoran

1985
The Twilight Zone

as Chief Brady Simmons (segment "Chameleon")

1985
A Death in California

as Bob Swalwell

1984
Beverly Hills Cop

as Sgt. Taggart

1983
The A-Team

as Cactus Jack Slater

1981
Honky Tonk Freeway

as Otto Kemper

1980
Borderline

as Charlie Monroe

1979
Lawman Without a Gun

as 1st State Trooper

1979
Breaking Away

as Mike's Brother

1978
Dallas

as Willie Joe Garr

1977
Oh, God!

as Police Officer (uncredited)

1977
Code R

as Karl

1976
1975
1974
1973
Kojak

as Cullen

1973
An Eye for an Eye

as Sgt. Matthews

1971
Columbo

as Calvin MacGruder

1952
Today

as Self

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Hot Bath an' a Stiff Drink 2

as Judge Nathan Rivers