John Ashton

John Ashton

Born:February 22, 1948

Place of Birth:Springfield, Massachusetts, USA

Died:September 26, 2024

Known For:Acting

Biography

John Ashton, born John David Ashton on February 22, 1948, was a talented American actor who left a lasting impact on Hollywood with his memorable performances. Hailing from Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton's journey into the world of acting began at a young age, eventually leading him to pursue his passion at the prestigious University of Southern California's School of Theatre.

While Ashton became a household name for his role as Sergeant John Taggart in the blockbuster Beverly Hills Cop franchise, starring alongside the legendary Eddie Murphy, his acting prowess extended far beyond this iconic character. His versatility shone through in films like Midnight Run (1988), where he showcased his skills as a bounty hunter named Marvin Dorfler, sharing the screen with acting heavyweight Robert De Niro.

Television audiences also had the pleasure of witnessing Ashton's talent through his guest appearances on popular shows like Columbo, MASH, and The A-Team, where he brought his unique blend of humor and toughness to each role. Ashton's ability to effortlessly embody characters with a mix of charm and strength solidified his status as a beloved character actor in the industry.

Throughout his career, Ashton captivated audiences with his nuanced performances, earning praise for his ability to infuse each role with authenticity and depth. His on-screen presence exuded a relatable everyman quality, endearing him to fans and fellow actors alike. Beyond his notable roles, Ashton's dedication to his craft and his commitment to bringing characters to life with sincerity set him apart as a true talent in the entertainment world.

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John Ashton
John Ashton

Filmography

Acting

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F

Chief John Taggart

2024

Forty years after his unforgettable first case in Beverly Hills, Detroit cop Axel Foley returns to do what he does best: solve crimes and cause chaos.
Beverly Hills Cop

Beverly Hills Cop

Sgt. Taggart

1984

Fast-talking, quick-thinking Detroit street cop Axel Foley has bent more than a few rules and regs in his time, but when his best friend is murdered, he heads to sunny Beverly Hills to work the case like only he can.
Beverly Hills Cop II

Beverly Hills Cop II

John Taggart

1987

Axel Foley returns to the land of sunshine and palm trees to investigate the near-fatal shooting of police Captain Andrew Bogomil. With the help of Sgt. Taggart and Det. Rosewood, they soon uncover that the shooting is associated with a series of "alphabet" robberies masterminded by a heartless weapons kingpin—and the chase is on.
Gone Baby Gone

Gone Baby Gone

Det. Nick Poole

2007

When 4 year old Amanda McCready disappears from her home and the police make little headway in solving the case, the girl's aunt, Beatrice McCready hires two private detectives, Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro. The detectives freely admit that they have little experience with this type of case, but the family wants them for two reasons—they're not cops and they know the tough neighborhood in which they all live.
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension

Highway Patrolman

1984

Adventurer/surgeon/rock musician Buckaroo Banzai and his band of men, the Hong Kong Cavaliers, take on evil alien invaders from the 8th dimension.
Midnight Run

Midnight Run

Marvin Dorfler, Headhunter

1988

A bounty hunter pursues a former Mafia accountant who embezzled $15 million of mob money. He is also being chased by a rival bounty hunter, the F.B.I., and his old mob boss after jumping bail.
Some Kind of Wonderful

Some Kind of Wonderful

Cliff Nelson

1987

A young tomboy, Watts, finds her feelings for her best friend, Keith, run deeper than just friendship when he gets a date with the most popular girl in school.
Middle Men

Middle Men

Morgan

2009

Chronicles Jack Harris, one of the pioneers of internet commerce, as he wrestles with his morals and struggles not to drown in a sea of conmen, mobsters, drug addicts, and pornstars.
King Kong Lives

King Kong Lives

Lt. Col. R.T. Nevitt

1986

After falling from the Twin Towers, Kong lies in a coma for ten years. When his heart begins to fail, scientists engineer an artificial heart, and a giant female ape is captured to serve as a source for a blood transfusion. When Kong awakens following his heart transplant, he senses the nearby presence of the female ape and the two escape to wreak havoc together.
Curly Sue

Curly Sue

Frank Arnold

1991

Bill is a penniless drifter who scams strangers out of just enough money to feed himself and his partner in crime, an orphan girl known as Curly Sue. Bill and Curly Sue target Grey, a yuppie lawyer, but their con takes an unexpected turn when the successful woman begins to like the ramshackle duo. But there's one problem—Grey's jealous, conniving boyfriend, Walker.