John Ashton
Birthday: 1948-02-22 | Place of Birth: Springfield, Massachusetts, USAJohn 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.
Known For
Acting
Role
as Chief John Taggart
as Roy Landry
as Macroberts
as Asher
as FBI Director
as Joseph Bird Sr.
as Rob
as Uncle John
as Mike Donahue
as Commander Latham
as Det. Nick Poole
as Guard Dacks
as Kemp
as Capt. Douglas Pine
as Peter Bryant
as District Attorney
as Lt. Diego
as Alex Reed
as Deputy Warden
as Ed Dawson
as Mac MacNally
as Butch Duggan
as Trooper Butch Duggan
as Eddie Ryan
as Charlie Battles
as Harry Dempsey
