John Ashton
Age: N/A | From: Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
Person Details
Birthday:
Aliases: John David Ashton
Gender: Male
Place of birth: Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
Homepage:
Movie Involvements: 31
TV Involvements: 15
Most Famous Work
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) 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.
Most Famous Work
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
(1999) Alan Fewkes
JAG
(1995) Brian Turque
Columbo
(1971) Calvin MacGruder
Dallas
(1978) Willie Joe Garr
The Twilight Zone
(1985) Chief Brady Simmons
Judging Amy
(1999) Dashiel Purdue
Kojak
(1973) Cullen
I Know My First Name Is Steven
(1989) Del StaynerActing
| Year | Character | Movie/Tv |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Chief John Taggart | |
| Self (archive footage) (uncredited) | ||
| 2023 | Macroberts | |
| N/A | ||
| 2022 | Asher | |
| 2019 | Rob | |
| FBI Director | ||
| Joseph Bird Sr. | ||
| N/A | ||
| 2018 | Joseph Rogers | |
| 2015 | Uncle John | |
| 2012 | Franklin Sherman | |
| 2011 | Lou Fisher | |
| 2009 | Mike Donahue | |
| Joseph | ||
| Morgan | ||
| 2007 | Det. Nick Poole | |
| Commander Latham | ||
| 1999 | Alan Fewkes | |
| Dashiel Purdue | ||
| Kemp | ||
| Guard Dacks | ||
| 1998 | Bobby | |
| Ulysses S. Grant | ||
| Capt. Douglas Pine | ||
| 1997 | Peter Bryant | |
| Instructor (voice) | ||
| 1996 | Lt. Diego | |
| District Attorney | ||
| 1995 | Alex Reed | |
| Deputy Warden | ||
| Brian Turque | ||
| 1994 | Ed Dawson | |
| Mac MacNally | ||
| 1993 | Butch Duggan | |
| 1992 | N/A | |
| Eddie Ryan | ||
| N/A | ||
| 1991 | Frank Arnold | |
| 1989 | Harry Dempsey | |
| Charlie Battles | ||
| Del Stayner | ||
| 1988 | Marvin Dorfler | |
| Ken | ||
| 1987 | John Taggart | |
| Cliff Nelson | ||
| 1986 | Lt. Col. R.T. Nevitt | |
| Det. Roger Dunn | ||
| Phil Cocoran | ||
| 1985 | Chief Brady Simmons | |
| Bob Swalwell | ||
| 1984 | Sgt. Taggart | |
| Highway Patrolman | ||
| Cash Hunt | ||
| 1983 | Cactus Jack Slater | |
| 1982 | N/A | |
| 1981 | Otto Kemper | |
| Jake | ||
| 1980 | Charlie Monroe | |
| 1979 | 1st State Trooper | |
| Mike's Brother | ||
| 1978 | Willie Joe Garr | |
| Orville | ||
| 1977 | Police Officer (uncredited) | |
| Karl | ||
| 1976 | Coach Larkin | |
| 1975 | N/A | |
| 1974 | Brock | |
| N/A | ||
| 1973 | Cullen | |
| Sgt. Matthews | ||
| N/A | ||
| 1972 | N/A | |
| 1971 | Calvin MacGruder | |
| 1952 | Self | |
| trooper Butch Duggan | ||
| Year | Character | Movie/Tv |
