John Ashton
I happened to catch the wonderful Midnight Run with Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin last night, and was struck for the first time (no, make that the second time) by what a fabulous job John Ashton did in Martin Brest's great 80s comedies (this, and Beverly Hills Cop). Here he plays a crude, dim-bulb bounty hunter, and in BHC he of course plays straight man John Taggart. So thoroughly does he disappear into both roles that it took me until very recently—despite countless viewings of both movies—to realize Ashton played them both. So there it is, a hero of unsung character actors for a late Sunday night. Definitely check out Midnight Run if you haven't already. It didn't get nearly the praise Beverly Hills Cop did, despite deserving it.
Ashton had a brief run on a TV show that I used to watch regularly, Hardball (1989-90). I always felt he had untapped potential. Unfortunately, his long-haired, manly co-star on the show got top billing. One of the better "buddy movie" transfers to TV that quite a few, but not quite enough of us liked. If I remember correctly, the good writing ran dry.
Ah, sounds like fun, I missed that one. At least the guy keeps getting steady work, but it would be nice to see him in some better-known projects.