John Ashton, known for “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Midnight Run,” had a five-decade career and an estimated net worth of over $3 million.
Key Takeaways
- John Ashton was born in Springfield, MA, raised in Enfield, and later moved to Fort Collins, Colorado.
- John earned a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts from the University of Southern California.
- John was the CEO of Town Crier Productions, LLC, and he became a professional consultant after retirement.
The iconic veteran actor best remembered for his roles in “Beverly Hills Cop” and “Midnight Run” was born on February 22, 1948, in Springfield, MA, to Edward Richard Ashton Sr. and Eva May Ashton.
He was raised in Enfield, where he graduated from Enfield High School before eventually settling in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Ashton attended Defiance College in Ohio, where he performed in Cape Cod Summer Stock at Barnstable Comedy Club, Barnstable, MA, in the summer of 1968.
He later pursued his passion for acting at the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Arts in 1973.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Ashton began his acting career in 1964, with his first professional role in the premiere production of “Othello” at the Hartford Stage Company at a young age.
He made his big-screen debut in the 1973 movie The Psychopath, and his memorable performances followed in films such as “So Evil, My Sister,” “Borderline,” and “The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension.“
His breakthrough role as Sergeant John Taggart in the 1984 blockbuster Beverly Hills Cop skyrocketed Ashton’s career.
The film’s massive success, along with its sequels, played a pivotal role in boosting Ashton’s earnings and Hollywood status.
While “Beverly Hills Cop” put Ashton on the map, his role as bounty hunter Marvin Dorfler in “Midnight Run” (1988) showcased his acting range.
Ashton delivered a performance that blended comedy and action, proving he could hold his own alongside the industry’s biggest names.
From Actor to CEO: John Ashton Career Evolution
In 1989, he became the CEO of Town Crier Productions, LLC, a company that Ashton likely used to manage his various entertainment projects.
His growth into this executive role allowed him to oversee production-related activities, expanding his influence in the film industry beyond acting.
After a successful career in acting, Ashton stepped back from the entertainment industry around 2007 to focus on personal enterprises and smaller projects.
Since then, he has made occasional appearances in films and television, but his retirement marked a shift away from regular high-profile roles.
In 2010, he transitioned into a new role as a Professional Consultant, leveraging his decades of experience in Hollywood to advise on film and television productions.
As of 2024, John Ashton’s net worth is estimated to be over $3 million.
While some may expect this number to be higher, Ashton has always taken on more selective roles throughout his career, preferring quality over quantity.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Ashton married Victoria Marie Runn in 1968, but they divorced in 1970.
- He then married his second wife, Bridget Baker-Ashton, in 1976, with whom he had a daughter.
- He had two kids, Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton, one from each of his ex-wives.
