John Ashton

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.

Most Known For

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

as Alan Fewkes

Columbo

as Calvin MacGruder

JAG

as Brian Turque

King of the Hill

as Instructor (voice)

The A-Team

as Cactus Jack Slater

M*A*S*H

Dallas

as Willie Joe Garr

The Twilight Zone

as Chief Brady Simmons (segment "Chameleon")

The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Police Woman

Starsky & Hutch

Judging Amy

as Dashiel Purdue

Kojak

as Cullen

A Touch of Frost

Beverly Hills Cop

as Sgt. Taggart

The Finder

as Franklin Sherman

Police Story

Today

as Self

Beverly Hills Cop II

as John Taggart

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

as Chief John Taggart