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John Ashton
Known for: ActingJohn 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.
Filmography 29
Beverly Hills Cop
as Sgt. Taggart 
Midnight Run
as Marvin Dorfler, Headhunter 
Beverly Hills Cop II
as John Taggart 
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
as Chief John Taggart 
Breaking Away
as Mike's Brother 
Gone Baby Gone
as Nick Poole 
King Kong Lives
as Lt. Col. R.T. Nevitt 
Instinct
as Guard Dacks 
Trapped in Paradise
as Ed Dawson 
Some Kind of Wonderful
as Cliff Nelson 
Borderline
as Charlie Monroe 
Middle Men
as Morgan 
She's Having a Baby
as Ken 
Meet the Deedles
as Capt. Douglas Pine 
Little Big League
as Mac MacNally 
Death in Texas
as Asher 
The Shooter
as Alex Reed 
Lonesome Soldier
as Macroberts 
Honky Tonk Freeway
as Otto Kemper 
Psycho Sisters
as Brock 
The Day Lincoln Was Shot
as Ulysses S. Grant 
Last Resort
as Phil Cocoran 
Escape from Alaska
as Kemp 
All Happy Families
as Roy Landry 
Lawman Without a Gun
as 1st State Trooper 
A Letter to Dad
as Mike Donahue 
Cat Murkil and the Silks
as Coach Larkin 
Fast Money
as Lt. Diego