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John Ashton

Acting Born Feb 22, 1948 Springfield, Massachusetts, USA 24 credits

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.

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Known for

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

as Alan Fewkes
Film

The Color Purple

as Calvin MacGruder

JAG

as Brian Turque

M*A*S*H

1972

Judging Amy

as Dashiel Purdue

The Finder

as Franklin Sherman

Mayday

as Sgt. Taggart

Full filmography

  • Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) as Alan Fewkes
  • Dallas (1978) as Willie Joe Garr
  • Columbo (1971) as Calvin MacGruder
  • The A-Team (1983) as Cactus Jack Slater
  • JAG (1995) as Brian Turque
  • King of the Hill (1997) as Instructor (voice)
  • M*A*S*H (1972)
  • Judging Amy (1999) as Dashiel Purdue
  • The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (1992)
  • The Twilight Zone (1985) as Chief Brady Simmons (segment "Chameleon")
  • A Touch of Frost (1992) as Ridley
  • Starsky & Hutch (1975)
  • Kojak (1973) as Cullen
  • Police Story (1973)
  • The Finder (2012) as Franklin Sherman
  • Beverly Hills Cop (1984) as Sgt. Taggart
  • Today (1952) as Self
  • Fairly Legal (2011) as Lou Fisher
  • Fantasy Island (1998) as Bobby
  • The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984) as Highway Patrolman
  • Gone Baby Gone (2007) as Nick Poole
  • Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) as John Taggart
  • Police Squad! (1982)
  • Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024) as Chief John Taggart