
Actor
John Ashton
Born 1948 · Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
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.
Acting

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Alan Fewkes · 1999

Gone Baby Gone
Nick Poole · 2007

Beverly Hills Cop
Sgt. Taggart · 1984

Columbo
Calvin MacGruder · 1971

The A-Team
Cactus Jack Slater · 1983

Beverly Hills Cop II
John Taggart · 1987

Midnight Run
Marvin Dorfler, Headhunter · 1988

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Chief John Taggart · 2024

King of the Hill
Instructor (voice) · 1997

JAG
Brian Turque · 1995

Some Kind of Wonderful
Cliff Nelson · 1987

The Twilight Zone
Chief Brady Simmons (segment "Chameleon") · 1985

Instinct
Guard Dacks · 1999

Breaking Away
Mike's Brother · 1979

Curly Sue
Frank Arnold · 1991

Middle Men
Morgan · 2009

Dallas
Willie Joe Garr · 1978

The Finder
Franklin Sherman · 2012

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
Highway Patrolman · 1984

Kojak
Cullen · 1973

Judging Amy
Dashiel Purdue · 1999

A Touch of Frost
Ridley · 1992

She's Having a Baby
Ken · 1988

Trapped in Paradise
Ed Dawson · 1994