John Ashton
Born February 22, 1948 (Age: 78)
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Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
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.
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.
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Filmography
Gone Baby Gone
2007
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as Det. Nick Poole
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Age: 59
Instinct
1999
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as Guard Dacks
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Age: 51
The Day Lincoln Was Shot
1998
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as Ulysses S. Grant
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Age: 50
Meet the Deedles
1998
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as Capt. Douglas Pine
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Age: 50
Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
1997
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as Peter Bryant
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Age: 48
Fast Money
1996
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as Lt. Diego
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Age: 48
For Which He Stands
1996
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as District Attorney
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Age: 48
Trapped in Paradise
1994
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as Ed Dawson
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Age: 46
Dirty Work
1992
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as Eddie Ryan
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Age: 44
Curly Sue
1991
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as Frank Arnold
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Age: 43
I Want to Go Home
1989
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as Harry Dempsey
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Age: 41
Midnight Run
1988
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as Marvin Dorfler, Headhunter
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Age: 40
She's Having a Baby
1988
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as Ken
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Age: 39
Beverly Hills Cop II
1987
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as John Taggart
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Age: 39
Some Kind of Wonderful
1987
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as Cliff Nelson
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Age: 39
King Kong Lives
1986
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as Lt. Col. R.T. Nevitt
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Age: 38
Beverly Hills Cop
1984
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as Sgt. Taggart
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Age: 36
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
1984
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as Highway Patrolman
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Age: 36
Honky Tonk Freeway
1981
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as Otto Kemper
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Age: 33
Elvis and the Beauty Queen
1981
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as Jake
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Age: 33
Borderline
1980
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as Charlie Monroe
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Age: 32
Breaking Away
1979
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as Mike's Brother
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Age: 31
No Image
The Wilds of Ten Thousand Islands
1978
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as Orville
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Age: 30
Oh, God!
1977
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as Police Officer (uncredited)
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Age: 29
Psycho Sisters
1974
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as Brock
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Age: 26
An Eye for an Eye
1973
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as Sgt. Matthews
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Age: 25