John Ashton
1948-2024
Known for Beverly Hills Cop, Beverly Hills Cop II, Gone Baby Gone.
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), 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.
Movie Credits
Lonesome Soldier (2023)
Uncle John (2015)
Death in Texas (2020)
Once Upon a River (2019)
The Joke Thief (2018)
Meet the Deedles (1998)
Dirty Work (1992)
Bill's Gun Shop (2001)
Little Big League (1994)
Beverly Hills Cop II (1987)
Last Resort (1986)
Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
All Happy Families (2024)
The Last Big Save (2019)
Midnight Run (1988)
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
Reign of the Gargoyles (2007)
The Shooter (1995)
King Kong Lives (1986)
Instinct (1999)
Some Kind of Wonderful (1987)
Cat Murkil and the Silks (1976)
Psycho Sisters (1974)
Condition Red (1995)
She's Having a Baby (1988)
The Deliberate Stranger (1986)
Trapped in Paradise (1994)
I Want to Go Home (1989)
An Eye for an Eye (1973)
Breaking Away (1979)
A Midsummer Night's Dream - Live at Shakespeare's Globe (2016)
The Day Lincoln Was Shot (1998)
Borderline (1980)
Honky Tonk Freeway (1981)
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)
Curly Sue (1991)
Oh, God! (1977)
