Highest rated as cast or director
John Ashton's 5 titles from the 1980s have a median Balasaur Score of 68, led by Midnight Run (79) and Beverly Hills Cop (74), against 52 for those from the 1990s.
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.
Acted in 75
2020s
- 2024
All Happy Families
Roy Landry
- 2023
- 2022
2010s
- 2019
American Christmas
Rob
Making a Deal with the Devil
FBI Director
The Last Big Save
Joseph Bird Sr.
Once Upon a River
Movie
- 2018
The Joke Thief
Joseph Rogers
- 2015
Uncle John
Uncle John
- 2012
- 2011
2000s
- 2009
A Letter to Dad
Mike Donahue
- 2007
Reign of the Gargoyles
Commander Latham
- 2001
Bill's Gun Shop
Bill Voight
1990s
- 1999
Escape from Alaska
Kemp
- 1998
The Day Lincoln Was Shot
Ulysses S. Grant
- 1997
Little Girls in Pretty Boxes
Peter Bryant
- 1996
Fast Money
Lt. Diego
For Which He Stands
District Attorney
- 1995
Condition Red
Deputy Warden
- 1994
- 1993
The Tommyknockers
Butch Duggan · 2 episodes
- 1992
Dirty Work
Eddie Ryan
- 1991
Love, Lies and Murder
Carrothers · 2 episodes
1980s
- 1989
I Want to Go Home
Harry Dempsey
Hardball
Charlie Battles · 18 episodes
I Know My First Name Is Steven
Del Stayner · 2 episodes
- 1988
- 1987
- 1986
The Deliberate Stranger
Det. Roger Dunn
Last Resort
Phil Cocoran
- 1985
A Death in California
Bob Swalwell · 2 episodes
- 1984
Money Hunt: The Mystery of the Missing Link
Cash Hunt
- 1983
- 1982
- 1981
Honky Tonk Freeway
Otto Kemper
Elvis and the Beauty Queen
Jake
- 1980
1970s
- 1979
- 1978
- 1977
Code R
Karl · 1 episode
- 1976
- 1975
My Father's House
Sergeant
- 1974
Psycho Sisters
Brock
- 1973
An Eye for an Eye
Sgt. Matthews
- 1972
- 1971
No release date
Hot Bath an' a Stiff Drink 2
Judge Nathan Rivers
Appearances2
2020s
- 2024
1950s
- 1952
