John Ashton
Acting
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.
Known for
Acting78
movieAll Happy Families
2024
Roy Landry
movieBeverly Hills Cop: Axel F
2024
Chief John Taggart
movieBRATS
2024
Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
movieLonesome Soldier
2023
Macroberts
movieMaking a Deal with the Devil
2019
FBI Director
movieThe Last Big Save
2019
Joseph Bird Sr.
movieThe Joke Thief
2018
Joseph Rogers
movieUncle John
2015
Uncle John
tvThe Finder
2012
Franklin Sherman
tvFairly Legal
2011
Lou Fisher
movieA Letter to Dad
2009
Mike Donahue
movieMiddle Men
2009
Morgan
movieGone Baby Gone
2007
Nick Poole
movieReign of the Gargoyles
2007
Commander Latham
movieBill's Gun Shop
2001
Bill Voight
tvLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit
1999
Alan Fewkes
tvJudging Amy
1999
Dashiel Purdue
movieInstinct
1999
Guard Dacks
tvFantasy Island
1998
Bobby
movieThe Day Lincoln Was Shot
1998
Ulysses S. Grant
movieMeet the Deedles
1998
Capt. Douglas Pine
movieLittle Girls in Pretty Boxes
1997
Peter Bryant
tvKing of the Hill
1997
Instructor (voice)
movieFast Money
1996
Lt. Diego
movieFor Which He Stands
1996
District Attorney
movieThe Shooter
1995
Alex Reed
movieCondition Red
1995
Deputy Warden
tvJAG
1995
Brian Turque
movieTrapped in Paradise
1994
Ed Dawson
movieLittle Big League
1994
Mac MacNally
tvThe Tommyknockers
1993
Butch Duggan
tvA Touch of Frost
1992
Ridley
movieDirty Work
1992
Eddie Ryan
movieCurly Sue
1991
Frank Arnold
tvLove, Lies and Murder
1991
Carrothers
movieI Want to Go Home
1989
Harry Dempsey
tvHardball
1989
Charlie Battles
tvI Know My First Name Is Steven
1989
Del Stayner
movieMidnight Run
1988
Marvin Dorfler, Headhunter
movieBeverly Hills Cop II
1987
John Taggart
movieSome Kind of Wonderful
1987
Cliff Nelson
movieKing Kong Lives
1986
Lt. Col. R.T. Nevitt
movieThe Deliberate Stranger
1986
Det. Roger Dunn
tvThe Deliberate Stranger
1986
Det. Roger Dunn
movieLast Resort
1986
Phil Cocoran
tvThe Twilight Zone
1985
Chief Brady Simmons (segment "Chameleon")
tvA Death in California
1985
Bob Swalwell
movieBeverly Hills Cop
1984
Sgt. Taggart
movieThe Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
1984
Highway Patrolman
tvThe A-Team
1983
Cactus Jack Slater
movieHonky Tonk Freeway
1981
Otto Kemper
movieBorderline
1980
Charlie Monroe
movieLawman Without a Gun
1979
1st State Trooper
movieBreaking Away
1979
Mike's Brother
tvDallas
1978
Willie Joe Garr
movieOh, God!
1977
Police Officer (uncredited)
tvCode R
1977
Karl
movieCat Murkil and the Silks
1976
Coach Larkin
movieMy Father's House
1975
Sergeant
tvKojak
1973
Cullen
movieAn Eye for an Eye
1973
Sgt. Matthews
tvColumbo
1971
Calvin MacGruder
tvToday
1952
Self
movieHot Bath an' a Stiff Drink 2
Judge Nathan Rivers