John Ashton
John David Ashton (February 22, 1948 โ 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) and Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), 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.
Known For
Credits
- 2024 ยทAll Happy Familiesas
- 2024 ยทBeverly Hills Cop: Axel Fas Chief John Taggart
- 2024 ยทBRATSas Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
- 2023 ยทLonesome Soldieras Macroberts
- 2022 ยทDeath in Texasas Asher
- 2019 ยทAmerican Christmasas Rob
- 2019 ยทMaking a Deal with the Devilas FBI Director
- 2019 ยทThe Last Big Saveas Joseph Bird Sr.
- 2019 ยทOnce Upon a Riveras
- 2018 ยทThe Joke Thiefas Joseph Rogers
- 2015 ยทUncle Johnas Uncle John
- 2012 ยทThe Finderas Franklin Sherman
- 2011 ยทFairly Legalas Lou Fisher
- 2009 ยทA Letter to Dadas Mike Donahue
- 2009 ยทMiddle Menas Morgan
- 2007 ยทGone Baby Goneas Det. Nick Poole
- 2007 ยทReign of the Gargoylesas Commander Latham
- 1999 ยทLaw & Order: Special Victims Unitas Alan Fewkes
- 1999 ยทJudging Amyas Dashiel Purdue
- 1999 ยทEscape from Alaskaas Kemp
- 1999 ยทInstinctas Guard Dacks
- 1998 ยทFantasy Islandas Bobby
- 1998 ยทThe Day Lincoln Was Shotas Ulysses S. Grant
- 1998 ยทMeet the Deedlesas Capt. Douglas Pine
- 1997 ยทLittle Girls in Pretty Boxesas Peter Bryant
- 1997 ยทKing of the Hillas Instructor (voice)
- 1996 ยทFast Moneyas Lt. Diego
- 1996 ยทFor Which He Standsas District Attorney
- 1995 ยทThe Shooteras Alex Reed
- 1995 ยทCondition Redas Deputy Warden
- 1995 ยทJAGas Brian Turque
- 1994 ยทTrapped in Paradiseas Ed Dawson
- 1994 ยทLittle Big Leagueas Mac MacNally
- 1993 ยทThe Tommyknockersas Butch Duggan
- 1992 ยทA Touch of Frostas
- 1992 ยทDirty Workas Eddie Ryan
- 1992 ยทThe Tonight Show with Jay Lenoas
- 1991 ยทCurly Sueas Frank Arnold
- 1989 ยทI Want to Go Homeas Harry Dempsey
- 1989 ยทHardballas Charlie Battles
- 1989 ยทI Know My First Name Is Stevenas Del Stayner
- 1988 ยทMidnight Runas Marvin Dorfler
- 1988 ยทShe's Having a Babyas Ken
- 1987 ยทBeverly Hills Cop IIas John Taggart
- 1987 ยทSome Kind of Wonderfulas Cliff Nelson
- 1986 ยทKing Kong Livesas Lt. Col. R.T. Nevitt
- 1986 ยทThe Deliberate Strangeras Det. Roger Dunn
- 1986 ยทLast Resortas Phil Cocoran
- 1985 ยทThe Twilight Zoneas Chief Brady Simmons
- 1985 ยทA Death in Californiaas Bob Swalwell
- 1984 ยทBeverly Hills Copas Sgt. Taggart
- 1984 ยทThe Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimensionas Highway Patrolman
- 1984 ยทMoney Hunt: The Mystery of the Missing Linkas Cash Hunt
- 1983 ยทThe A-Teamas Cactus Jack Slater
- 1982 ยทPolice Squad!as
- 1981 ยทHonky Tonk Freewayas Otto Kemper
- 1981 ยทElvis and the Beauty Queenas Jake
- 1980 ยทBorderlineas Charlie Monroe
- 1979 ยทLawman Without a Gunas 1st State Trooper
- 1979 ยทBreaking Awayas Mike's Brother
- 1978 ยทDallasas Willie Joe Garr
- 1978 ยทThe Wilds of Ten Thousand Islandsas Orville
- 1977 ยทOh, God!as Police Officer (uncredited)
- 1977 ยทCode Ras Karl
- 1976 ยทCat Murkil and the Silksas Coach Larkin
- 1975 ยทStarsky & Hutchas
- 1975 ยทMy Father's Houseas Sergeant
- 1974 ยทPsycho Sistersas Brock
- 1974 ยทPolice Womanas
- 1973 ยทKojakas Cullen
- 1973 ยทAn Eye for an Eyeas Sgt. Matthews
- 1973 ยทPolice Storyas
- 1972 ยทM*A*S*Has
- 1971 ยทColumboas Calvin MacGruder
- 1952 ยทTodayas Self