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 Ashton 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 on February 22, 1948, 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
Average
8
JAG
Average
7

JAG

(1995) Brian Turque
Columbo
Average
8

Columbo

(1971) Calvin MacGruder
Dallas
Average
7

Dallas

(1978) Willie Joe Garr
The Twilight Zone
Average
8

The Twilight Zone

(1985) Chief Brady Simmons
Judging Amy
Average
8

Judging Amy

(1999) Dashiel Purdue
Kojak
Average
7

Kojak

(1973) Cullen
I Know My First Name Is Steven
Average
7

I Know My First Name Is Steven

(1989) Del Stayner

Acting

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

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