Known For
Acting
Birthday
February 22, 1948
Place of Birth
Springfield, Massachusetts, USA
Also Known As
- John David Ashton
- جان اشتون
John Ashton
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.
Known For - Movies
Beverly Hills Cop
as Sgt. Taggart
Midnight Run
as Marvin Dorfler, Headhunter
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
as Chief John Taggart
Gone Baby Gone
as Nick Poole
Beverly Hills Cop II
as John Taggart
The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension
as Highway Patrolman
Instinct
as Guard Dacks
Breaking Away
as Mike's Brother
Some Kind of Wonderful
as Cliff Nelson
BRATS
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Known For - TV Shows
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
as Alan Fewkes
Columbo
as Calvin MacGruder
JAG
as Brian Turque
King of the Hill
as Instructor (voice)
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
Dallas
as Willie Joe Garr
The A-Team
as Cactus Jack Slater
M*A*S*H
Judging Amy
as Dashiel Purdue
The Twilight Zone
as Chief Brady Simmons (segment "Chameleon")