John Ashley (actor)

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John Ashley (actually John Atchley ; born December 25, 1934 in Kansas City , Missouri , † October 3, 1997 in New York City ) was an American actor and singer .

Life

Ashley grew up in Oklahoma and developed an interest in acting while at Oklahoma State University . During a trip to California, he managed to get a small role in The Conqueror (1956), after which he was signed by AIP , a company specializing in films for young people . The first film with Ashley in the lead role, Dragstrip Girl , was released in theaters in the spring of 1957.

As Ashley was also a talented singer, a music career was started at the same time - various singles were released on the Dot Records label. In several films he was given the opportunity to combine both talents.

By the mid-1960s, Ashley starred in mostly low budget films as well as in two television series. In 1962 he married colleague Deborah Walley ; the marriage was divorced in 1966. A son comes from this connection.

By the end of the decade, Ashley was more focused on working behind the cameras. Together with exploitation director Eddie Romero , he produced a number of horror films that were shot in the Philippines . Ashley was also involved in some of the blaxploitation wave films.

He began producing television shows with great success in the 1980s, including A-Team and Walker, Texas Ranger . Ashley died at the age of 62 after having a heart attack.

Filmography (selection)

Songs and a.

  • 1958: Born to rock / Pickin 'on the wrong chicken (Dot 15775)
  • 1958: Little Lue (Capeheart 5006)
  • 1959: Don't let them tear us apart / Mean mean woman (Hydra 27114) - with Eddie Cochran

Web links

personal data
SURNAME Ashley, John
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Atchley, John
BRIEF DESCRIPTION American singer, actor, and film producer
DATE OF BIRTH December 25, 1934
PLACE OF BIRTH Kansas City , Missouri
DATE OF DEATH October 3, 1997
Place of death New York City