Acting · Springfield, Massachusetts, USA · Born February 22, 1948
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.
MovieAll Happy Families
2024
as Roy Landry
MovieBeverly Hills Cop: Axel F
2024
as Chief John Taggart
MovieBRATS
2024
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
MovieLonesome Soldier
2023
as Macroberts
MovieDeath in Texas
2022
as Asher
MovieAmerican Christmas
2019
as Rob
MovieMaking a Deal with the Devil
2019
as FBI Director
MovieThe Last Big Save
2019
as Joseph Bird Sr.
MovieOnce Upon a River
2019
MovieThe Joke Thief
2018
as Joseph Rogers
MovieUncle John
2015
as Uncle John
TVThe Finder
2012
as Franklin Sherman
TVFairly Legal
2011
as Lou Fisher
MovieA Letter to Dad
2009
as Mike Donahue
MovieMiddle Men
2009
as Morgan
MovieGone Baby Gone
2007
as Nick Poole
MovieReign of the Gargoyles
2007
as Commander Latham
MovieBill's Gun Shop
2001
as Bill Voight
TVLaw & Order: Special Victims Unit
1999
as Alan Fewkes
TVJudging Amy
1999
as Dashiel Purdue
MovieEscape from Alaska
1999
as Kemp
MovieInstinct
1999
as Guard Dacks
TVFantasy Island
1998
as Bobby
MovieThe Day Lincoln Was Shot
1998
as Ulysses S. Grant
MovieMeet the Deedles
1998
as Capt. Douglas Pine
MovieLittle Girls in Pretty Boxes
1997
as Peter Bryant
TVKing of the Hill
1997
as Instructor (voice)
MovieFast Money
1996
as Lt. Diego
MovieFor Which He Stands
1996
as District Attorney
MovieThe Shooter
1995
as Alex Reed
MovieCondition Red
1995
as Deputy Warden
TVJAG
1995
as Brian Turque
MovieTrapped in Paradise
1994
as Ed Dawson
MovieLittle Big League
1994
as Mac MacNally
TVThe Tommyknockers
1993
as Butch Duggan
TVA Touch of Frost
1992
as Ridley
MovieDirty Work
1992
as Eddie Ryan
TVThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno
1992
MovieCurly Sue
1991
as Frank Arnold
TVLove, Lies and Murder
1991
as Carrothers
MovieI Want to Go Home
1989
as Harry Dempsey
TVHardball
1989
as Charlie Battles
TVI Know My First Name Is Steven
1989
as Del Stayner
MovieMidnight Run
1988
as Marvin Dorfler, Headhunter
MovieShe's Having a Baby
1988
as Ken
MovieBeverly Hills Cop II
1987
as John Taggart
MovieSome Kind of Wonderful
1987
as Cliff Nelson
MovieKing Kong Lives
1986
as Lt. Col. R.T. Nevitt
MovieThe Deliberate Stranger
1986
as Det. Roger Dunn
TVThe Deliberate Stranger
1986
as Det. Roger Dunn
MovieLast Resort
1986
as Phil Cocoran
TVThe Twilight Zone
1985
as Chief Brady Simmons (segment "Chameleon")
TVA Death in California
1985
as Bob Swalwell
MovieBeverly Hills Cop
1984
as Sgt. Taggart
MovieThe Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
1984
as Highway Patrolman
MovieMoney Hunt: The Mystery of the Missing Link
1984
as Cash Hunt
TVThe A-Team
1983
as Cactus Jack Slater
TVPolice Squad!
1982
MovieHonky Tonk Freeway
1981
as Otto Kemper
MovieElvis and the Beauty Queen
1981
as Jake
MovieBorderline
1980
as Charlie Monroe
MovieLawman Without a Gun
1979
as 1st State Trooper
MovieBreaking Away
1979
as Mike's Brother
TVDallas
1978
as Willie Joe Garr
The Wilds of Ten Thousand Islands
1978
as Orville
MovieOh, God!
1977
as Police Officer (uncredited)
TVCode R
1977
as Karl
MovieCat Murkil and the Silks
1976
as Coach Larkin
TVStarsky & Hutch
1975
MovieMy Father's House
1975
as Sergeant
MoviePsycho Sisters
1974
as Brock
TVKojak
1973
as Cullen
MovieAn Eye for an Eye
1973
as Sgt. Matthews
TVPolice Story
1973
TVM*A*S*H
1972
TVColumbo
1971
as Calvin MacGruder
TVToday
1952
as Self
MovieHot Bath an' a Stiff Drink 2
as Judge Nathan Rivers
